Algeria: Legislative elections May 4

Event

Legislative elections are set to take place in Algeria on Thursday, May 4, amid tense socioeconomic conditions. Some political parties, including the Talaie El-Houriat party, decided to boycott the elections, while Islamic parties are expected to form alliances. The National Liberation Front (FLN) is widely expected to win the majority of seats.

Although demonstrations in Algeria generally take place without major incident, violent clashes surrounding polling stations or political events are possible.

Context

According to Algerian policy experts, given that the outcome of these polls is not expected to be a surprise (in favor of the FLN), the real significance of these next legislative elections is the participation rate to see to what extent the current tensions prevailing across the country will keep voters away from the ballot box.

Advice

Individuals in Algeria are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid politically sensitive discussions in public, and avoid all demonstrations and polling stations. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities. 

A number of Western governments advise against travel to the desert regions of central and southern Algeria, including the entire border with Libya. Only a few large cities (Algiers, Oran, and Tlemncen) should be considered relatively safe thanks to a heavy security presence.

Due to the risk of terrorism throughout the country, individuals present in Algeria are advised to maintain a high degree of vigilance, to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities, and to be particularly cautious when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels, and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).