NAJWA RAHIM

Algeria - New legislative elections kicked off in Algeria on Thursday morning, July 2nd, in a political scene characterized by the gradual turnout of voters, intensive logistical organization, and official calls to increase participation in this election, in which Algerians will choose 407 members of the National People’s Assembly for a five-year term.

Polling stations opened across 69 provinces, and according to the latest figures provided by the acting head of the electoral authority, voter turnout nationwide reached 3.05% by the early hours of this morning. This preliminary figure reflects a gradual start to voter participation.

 

The electoral authority is monitoring the process on the ground through its provincial teams to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory procedures, while official and political calls continue for broad participation to reflect the will of the voters in choosing their representatives.

 

At Halima Saadia High School in Algiers, Workers' Party Secretary General Louisa Hanoune cast her vote, considering participation "a means of expressing the will of the citizens and contributing to shaping the country's future." She indicated that her party aspires to a strong return to parliament with a new program focused on improving economic, social, and political conditions.

 

At the same polling station, 82-year-old Amrouni Hadjila cast her vote, emphasizing that "change begins with the citizen." She urged young people to go to the polls, considering participation "a national duty that strengthens peace and stability."

 

Nearly 10,000 candidates are contesting these elections, distributed across 793 lists within the country, including 614 party lists and 125 independent lists, comprising 9,854 candidates. There are also 54 lists abroad, including 48 party lists and 6 independent lists, with 432 candidates.

 

Algerians residing abroad began voting last Saturday, while mobile polling stations in remote areas and among nomadic communities opened 72 hours before the official voting period, in accordance with the electoral law.

The elections are conducted according to a proportional representation system with open lists and preferential voting without mixing. The voter chooses only one list, then selects one or more candidates from within that list, up to the number of seats allocated to their district.