Algerian President Abdelkader Bensalah received the final report of the National Dialogue and Mediation body from its coordinator, Karim Younes. The report is the result of extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including 5,600 civil society representatives and 23 political personalities. Younes stated that the report is a synthesis of proposals from concerned parties. The body served as a framework for consultation and dialogue, not negotiation.
The report recommends establishing an independent body to oversee the electoral process, ensuring its preparation, organization, monitoring, and control until the results are proclaimed. It also emphasizes the need for measures to ease tensions and improve the political climate, including the release of opinion detainees. According to sources, the report focuses on two main axes: the departure of the Bedoui government and partial revision of the electoral law.
President Bensalah considered the proposals as sufficient guarantees for organizing the presidential election. He noted a convergence of views on the need to hold the election as soon as possible. Bensalah thanked the dialogue panel for their courage and dedication to their mission. He highlighted that the proposals include two legislative texts: one amending the organic law on the electoral regime and the other on creating an election organization body.
The head of state expressed satisfaction with the climate of freedom and transparency during the dialogue process. He reaffirmed that the state has kept its promise of neutrality. Bensalah emphasized that the dialogue allowed for the participation of all segments of civil society and politics, leading to a broad convergence of views on the need for a presidential election.
The proposed independent election body would comprise judges, lawyers, civil society representatives, and national personalities. It would have moral, administrative, and financial autonomy, excluding the administration from the electoral process. The body would be responsible for preparing and supervising all stages of the election.
The panel's proposals also include amending the electoral law, such as presenting candidacy files to the national autonomous authority instead of the Constitutional Council. The Constitutional Council would serve as a jurisdiction of appeal in the process. Other proposals involve abolishing the article requiring candidates to gather a minimum number of signatures from elected officials or registered voters.
President Bensalah requested the dialogue panel to continue efforts to establish and install the independent election body. The final report and recommendations aim to ensure a transparent and fair presidential election in Algeria. The proposals will be reviewed and implemented to move forward with the electoral process.
Key points
- Algerian National Dialogue and Mediation body submits final report outlining recommendations for the upcoming presidential election.
- Report recommends establishing an independent body to oversee the electoral process.
- Proposals include amending the electoral law and partial revision of the current regulations.
