02 Sep 2024 | 11:58 PM UTC
Algeria: Heightened security likely before, amid, and immediately after presidential election scheduled Sept. 7
Increased security likely, demonstrations possible ahead of, during, and immediately after Algerian presidential election scheduled Sept. 7.
Heightened security is likely and demonstrations are possible across Algeria before, during, and immediately after the country's presidential election scheduled for Sept. 7. Incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune is running for a second five-year term and is the front-runner to win the election.
Thousands of security personnel will probably deploy to secure polling sites ahead of the election and maintain order as voting proceeds. Demonstrations and political rallies may occur in locations across the country in the lead-up to, during, and after the vote. Authorities will likely maintain heightened security measures around any such gatherings that materialize and may clash with demonstrators if they refuse any orders to disperse. Militants may attempt to attack political rallies in some areas.
Popular participation in any protests, rallies, and campaign-related events that occur will likely be largest in Algiers and other major cities; hundreds of thousands of people may take part in demonstrations in the capital. Possible gathering sites in the Algiers area include the vicinities of major landmarks and thoroughfares, including the El Mouradia Palace (presidential palace), Martyrs' Square, Place du 1er Mai, Boulevard des Martyrs, Mohammed V Boulevard, Place Maurice Audin, and Grande Poste d'Alger. Authorities have previously shut down public transport services in Algiers and other cities to disrupt the movement and assembly of large groups of people and may do so again ahead of, during, or immediately after the Sept. 7 presidential election.
Monitor local developments closely. Avoid any demonstrations that materialize due to the potential for clashes. Allow extra time for travel near possible demonstration sites. Reconfirm the status of public transport during protest periods. Heed the instructions of local security personnel; leave the area immediately if violence breaks out nearby. Exercise caution near polling stations. Seek updated information from local, trusted sources on election rallies and any associated disruptions. Use alternative routes to circumvent election-related events; allow additional time to reach destinations. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.
Tebboune faces two challengers in the Sept. 7 election: Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, president of the Islamist Movement of a Society of Peace (MSP) party, and Youcef Aouchiche, leader of the Socialist Forces Front (FFS).
Presidents of Algeria may serve up to two five-year terms. The country's electoral system stipulates that the president must be elected by an absolute majority; if no candidate garners a majority of votes in the first round of voting, a second round of voting is held.
