Algeria's Constitutional Court Confirms Tebboune's Landslide Victory

Algeria's constitutional court has officially confirmed the re-election of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune following a comprehensive review of the September 7, 2024, presidential election results. This certification comes after addressing concerns raised by Tebboune's opponents regarding potential voting irregularities.

Omar Belhadj, the constitutional court's president, stated that the court conducted a thorough examination of regional voting data to address the appeals filed by Tebboune's challengers on September 11. The review process resulted in a slight adjustment of the vote distribution, with Tebboune's share decreasing marginally while his opponents gained additional votes.

The final tally shows President Tebboune securing 84.3% of the vote, amounting to 7.7 million ballots. This outcome surpasses his 2019 victory by a significant margin. Abdellali Hassan Cherif, representing the Movement of Society for Peace, received 9.6% of the vote (approximately 950,000 ballots), while Youcef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front garnered 6.1% (over 580,000 votes).

Notably, both challengers exceeded the 5% threshold required for campaign expense reimbursement under Algerian election laws. This development is significant as it contrasts with the initial results announced by the election authority, which had placed Cherif and Aouchiche below this threshold.

The election, however, has not been without controversy. Critics have argued that it serves as a facade of democracy amid broader political repression in Algeria. Despite these concerns, all three campaigns emphasized the importance of voter participation, particularly among the youth, to counter calls for boycotting the ballot.

The constitutional court reported a nationwide turnout of 46.1%, an increase from the 39.9% recorded in the 2019 presidential election. This uptick in participation occurs against the backdrop of Algeria's complex political landscape, which has experienced instability and protests in recent years.

Algeria, the largest country in Africa by land area, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. With a population exceeding 44 million and a median age of about 28 years, the nation faces the challenge of addressing the aspirations of its predominantly young citizenry. As a major exporter of natural gas and oil, Algeria boasts the 4th largest economy in Africa, highlighting its significant role in the region.

The country's political system, a semi-presidential republic, continues to evolve since gaining independence from France in 1962. With Arabic and Berber as official languages and a high literacy rate of over 80%, Algeria stands at a crossroads of tradition and modernity.

As President Tebboune prepares for his second term, the government will determine the inauguration date. The coming years will be crucial for Algeria as it navigates domestic challenges and its position on the international stage, including its membership in OPEC and the African Union.

"After verification of the minutes of the regions and correction of the errors noted in the counting of the votes, we have adjusted the final results accordingly."

This election marks a significant moment in Algeria's ongoing political narrative, reflecting both the country's democratic processes and the complexities of its governance system.