Algerian political parties are working to finalize their candidate lists for the upcoming local elections on November 28, 2026. Some parties have completed their lists, while others are struggling to find candidates and collect required signatures. The deadline for submitting the lists to the Independent National Electoral Authority is October 8, 2026. Various parties are at different stages of preparation, with some having already started studying the files before submitting them.
The National Liberation Front (FLN) has completed its lists in all provinces and has started studying the files at the local level. According to FLN's leader, Faisal Gams, the party has entered the lists in all provinces and will not need to collect signatures due to its past election results. The party's leadership will start studying the files on Thursday, prior to submitting them to the electoral authority.
Other parties, however, are still in the process of receiving candidacy files and face difficulties in attracting candidates. Some parties have widened the door for those willing to run under their names to complete their lists and collect required signatures. The difficulties in attracting candidates are attributed to the experiences of past elections, particularly the fear of being disqualified or having their names rejected.
The Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) is still receiving candidacy files at the provincial level, with the deadline set for October 2, 2026. According to MSP's national secretary for organization, Saad Laaisawi, the party has given powers to local levels to decide on candidacy files, allowing them to complete their lists. The party has also prepared an additional list in case some names are rejected during the file study process.
The preparation of additional lists is part of the measures taken by the party to avoid repeating the scenario of past legislative elections and to ensure alternatives in case some files are not accepted. This would allow the party to complete its lists and avoid potential gaps that could affect its participation in the local elections.
As the deadline for submitting lists approaches, parties are working to finalize their preparations. Those that have completed their lists are studying the files internally before submitting them, while others continue to seek candidates and collect signatures. The electoral authority will study the lists and decide on appeals according to the specified procedures and deadlines.
The local elections are expected to take place on November 28, 2026, and various parties are making efforts to ensure their participation. Despite the challenges faced by some parties, they are working to finalize their lists and meet the requirements for the elections. The outcome of the elections will be closely watched, given the country's political landscape.
Key points
- Algerian parties face challenges in finalizing candidate lists for local elections
- Deadline for submitting lists to the electoral authority is October 8, 2026
- Some parties have completed their lists, while others struggle to find candidates and collect signatures
