On 7 September, Algeria's incumbent President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the National Liberation Front (FLN), was re-elected for a second term with 84.3 per cent of the vote, according to results confirmed by the Constitutional Court. Of the 16 candidates who submitted their candidacies, including two women, the National Independent Election Authority (ANIE) approved only two male candidates to run against Tebboune: Abdelali Hassani Cherif from the Islamist Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) and Youcef Aouchiche from the Socialist Forces Front (FFS). They received 9.6 and 6.1 per cent of the vote, respectively. The provisional result initially reported by ANIE put Tebboune’s vote share at 94.7 per cent. However, in response to legal challenges by both opposition candidates that cited irregularities, this figure was revised to 84.3 per cent. The Court confirmed a voter turnout of 46.1 per cent, marking an increase from 39.9 per cent in the previous 2019 presidential election. Some political parties boycotted the election, complaining of intimidation in the lead up to the poll.

Sources: Constitutional Court of Algeria (1), Constitutional Court of Algeria (2), Algeria Press Service, Associated Press (1), Associated Press (2), Arab News, TSA Algerie

In June, severe water shortages in Algeria triggered widespread protests, especially in the northwestern farming region of Tiaret. Frustrated residents burned tires and blocked roads, condemning the government’s inadequate response to the water crisis. Earlier, President Tebboune had convened a council of ministers to address the issue, promising that water supplies would be restored by the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. Despite these assurances, the crisis persisted, with many areas still experiencing dry taps by the promised date. These protests are particularly notable as Algeria has seen relatively few demonstrations since the 2020-2021 period when anti-government protests were met with severe repression. The rare protests come at a sensitive time, with early presidential elections scheduled for 7 September.  

Sources: The New Arab, Al Monitor, TSA, Le Monde  

On 6 May, a newly amended Penal Code came into effect following its publication in the official Gazette. The amendments, introduced by the National People’s Assembly (APN), and adopted on 2 April, were promulgated by President Tebboune on 5 May. The revised Penal Code responds to government concerns about "abuses of websites, mobile applications, and platforms enabling social connections" by introducing new offenses related to speech and imposing harsher penalties. Offenses involving the disclosure of sensitive national security or economic information, now carry sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment. The Code also stipulates 10-year prison terms for actions intended to demoralize security forces. While such measures may intend to protect national security, the broad and vague definitions used in the amendments have been criticized for their potential to criminalize and further constrain the exercise of freedom of expression in the country. This update builds on previous changes made to the Penal Code in 2020.

Sources: Le Monde, Official Journal of the Algerian Republic, Article 19, Jeune Afrique, Le 360

The People’s National Assembly of Algeria enacted legislation aimed at safeguarding media freedom, repealing the previous ‘press offense’ law and introducing protections for journalists. The new law seeks to modernize the media landscape by regulating print, online, and audio-visual platforms, establishing a robust media system, and promoting professionalism. It emphasizes principles such as freedom of expression and access to information sources, while also providing protection against violence or insult during journalistic activities. Despite these advances, concerns remain about the government's commitment to press freedom, particularly in light of the ongoing detentions of journalists. This legislation is vital in the broader context of democracy and human rights in Algeria; however, its effectiveness will largely depend on its implementation and the government's adherence to the principles it enshrines.

Sources: El Watan, Associated Press, Dzair,  APS