Algeria: Low turnout expected for legislative elections May 4 /update 1

Event

Legislative elections are set to take place in Algeria on Thursday, May 4, amid tense socioeconomic conditions. According to experts, given that the outcome of the polls will likely keep the current National Liberation Front (FLN) majority coalition intact, the real significance of these legislative elections is the participation rate, which many see as an indication of the ruling government’s legitimacy. Recent reports suggest that despite government efforts to encourage participation, the turnout for the vote may be low, which risks exacerbating social tensions that are already on the rise amid the country’s economic struggles.

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

Context

While the outcome of the election is largely seen as a foregone conclusion – the ruling FLN is expected to win the majority of seats alongside its coalition ally the Rally for National Democracy (RND) – questions remain as to whether participation rates will surpass those of the 2012 elections, when less than 43 percent of registered voters took to the polls, the lowest rate in the country’s history.

Low turnout expectations have been primarily driven by the decision of some prominent opposition parties to boycott the elections, although the majority of secularist and Islamist parties have decided to participate. In recent days, a boycott movement among the electorate, particularly youth, has gone viral on social media, stoking fears of a notably low turnout. According to experts, the population is suffering from “political fatigue” brought on by the perception of rigged elections and general economic malaise.

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 especially 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.).