Algeria to elect parliament amid protest movement boycott By Philippe Agret Algeria holds a parliamentary election Saturday under the shadow of a protest movement boycott and deep scepticism the North African nation can escape political paralysis and worsening economic crisis. A presidential election 18 months ago, won by Abdelmadjid Tebboune, attracted a turnout of less than 40 percent, even according to official figures. Tebboune’s government claims to have responded to the Hirak’s main demands “in record time” but says they are “counter-revolutionaries” in the pay of “foreign parties” hostile to Algeria. For the protest movement, Tebboune’s status as a former prime minister under Bouteflika dovetails into its narrative that the old guard remains unashamedly at the helm. “Power needs to renew itself — or to give the illusion of renewal — and to renew its legitimacy through elections,” Boubekeur said.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 11, 2021 11:45 UTC