Algeria's presidential election – A vote without a choice

The recent presidential election in Algeria saw the incumbent president, Abdulmadjid Tebboune, winning with nearly 95% of the vote. A result that, unsurprisingly, has been met with widespread skepticism and disbelief among Algerians.

In 2024, such an overwhelming margin is unheard of in any genuinely democratic country, where political diversity and competition are the hallmarks of free elections.

This result is not just improbable; it is a stark reminder that Algeria, since its independence, remains far from a free and democratic state.

The electoral process, rather than being an exercise in democratic choice, seems more like a predetermined outcome orchestrated by those in power. It reflects a system where dissent is stifled, opposition voices are marginalized, and the electoral process itself is devoid of true transparency and fairness.

While Algerian authorities may attempt to portray this election as a triumph of legitimacy and popular support, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

For many, this result underscores the ongoing lack of political freedom in Algeria, a nation where citizens are still fighting for their right to a genuine democratic process.

A Manufactured Victory: The Illusion of Democracy in Algeria

When a leader claims to have won 95% of the vote, it raises serious questions about the state of democracy in that country.

Such numbers are reminiscent of autocratic regimes rather than free societies. They suggest an electoral system where the outcome is controlled, not by the people's will, but by the mechanisms of power that seek to perpetuate themselves indefinitely.

This "victory" is, in reality, a disheartening confirmation that Algeria remains stuck in its old ways, where true democratic evolution is thwarted by a ruling elite unwilling to relinquish control. It is a sobering reminder to the international community that behind the facade of elections, there is a nation still struggling with the basic principles of freedom, transparency, and genuine political choice.

As the world watches, it becomes increasingly clear that Algeria's path to democracy is still fraught with obstacles.

The international community must continue to support the Algerian people in their quest for a political system that truly reflects their will, rather than one that merely maintains the illusion of choice.