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Algeria

https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/

May 2024

New amended Penal Code enters into force
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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

June 2024

Water shortages spark protests in Algeria as presidential elections approach

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  

December 2023

Algeria adopts new laws on written, electronic and broadcasting media

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, DzairAPS

October 2023

Algerians defy ban to support Palestinians, government detains Islamic Party leaders
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Amid the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, Algerians held their first major protests since the 2019 pro-democracy Hirak movement. Despite a ban on unauthorized demonstrations that has been in effect since 2021, hundreds gathered in the capital on 13 October to support Palestinians. This public pressure led to sanctioned pro-Palestinian protests on 19 October across multiple cities, albeit under strict police supervision due to fears of political exploitation by Islamists and former Hirak leaders.

Separately, the Algerian government detained several high-ranking members of the now-banned Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) party following their criticism of the administration and warnings about potential security threats. Critics argue these detentions are unjustified and that the detained individuals should be immediately released, while the FIS calls for dialogue and an end to human rights abuses.

Sources: Le Courrier d'Algerie, The New Arab (1), Atalayar, Africa News, North Africa Post, , Middle East Monitor, The New Arab (2), Asharq Al Awsat

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Global ranking per category of democratic performance in 2023

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Representation
122/173
Rights
105/173
Rule of Law
121/173
Participation
117/173
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Basic Information

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Population Tooltip
45 606 480
System of government
Semi-Presidential system
Head of government
Prime Minister Nadir Larbaoui (since 2023)
Head of government party
Independent
Electoral system for lower or single chamber
List Proportional Representation
Women in lower or single chamber
7.9 %
Women in upper chamber
4.1 %
Last legislative election
2021
Effective number of political parties Tooltip
4.96
Head of state
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune
Selection process for head of state
Direct election (two-round majority)
Latest Universal Periodic Review (UPR) date
11/11/2022
Latest Universal Periodic Review (UPR) percentage of recommendations supported
74.14%
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Human Rights Treaties

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State Party State party
Signatory Signatory
No Action No action
United Nations Human Right Treaties
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
State Party
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
State Party
International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
State Party
Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women
State Party
Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment
State Party
Convention on the Rights of the Child
State Party
International Convention on Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families
State Party
International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance 
Signatory
International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
State Party
International Labour Organisation Treaties
Forced Labour Convention
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Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention
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Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention
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Equal Remuneration Convention
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Abolition of Forced Labour Convention
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Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention
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Convention concerning Minimum Age for Admission to Employment
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Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention
State Party
Regional Treaties
African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights
State Party
Arab Charter on Human Rights
State Party
in
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Performance by category over the last 6 months

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Representation neutral Rule of law
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Representation neutral Participation
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Global State of Democracy Indices

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Explore the indices
Representation
Representation
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/1
high 0.7-1.0
mid 0.4-0.7
low 0.0-0.4
Rights
Rights
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/1
high 0.7-1.0
mid 0.4-0.7
low 0.0-0.4
Rule of Law
Rule of Law
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high 0.7-1.0
mid 0.4-0.7
low 0.0-0.4
Participation
Participation
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/1
high 0.7-1.0
mid 0.4-0.7
low 0.0-0.4

Factors of Democratic Performance Over Time

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