Algerian legislative elections: FLN solidifies dominance amid low turnout

Algeria's legislative elections held on July 2 have seen the National Liberation Front (FLN) reaffirm its leading position, securing a significant majority of seats. Provisional results announced by the Independent National Electoral Authority (ANIE) show the FLN winning 90 seats, reinforcing its political dominance.

The National Rally for Democracy (RND) secured the second position with 73 seats, while the El Moustakbel Front followed in third place, obtaining 59 seats. The Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) and the El Bina Movement also secured substantial numbers, with 43 and 38 seats respectively. A fragmented political landscape emerged behind the top contenders, with over twenty other parties and independents sharing the remaining seats.

However, the election was marked by a concerningly low voter turnout. ANIE reported a participation rate of just 21.24% within the country and 10.75% among the Algerian diaspora. This figure continues a downward trend observed in previous electoral cycles, with the 2021 legislative elections seeing a historic low of 23% turnout.

Adding to the controversy, several opposition parties denounced the ANIE's disqualification of some of their candidates' applications. These decisions were perceived by some as an attempt to pre-determine the election outcomes. Appeals against the provisional results must be submitted to the Constitutional Court within 48 hours, with final results to be announced after their review.