Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune stated that local elections send a clear message to the world that “Algeria will build an economically strong state in the framework of democracy and freedom.”

After casting his vote, President Tebboune told reporters that "voting is a civic right and duty, even if it is not compulsory," stressing that “local municipalities are the basic institutions in building a state.”

The Algerian president expressed his optimism that the voter turnout in today’s election will be higher than in previous elections.

Responding to a question about municipalities that did not field their candidates, Tebboune stated that "their number is limited" and that they "will be run by special committees as stipulated by law."

Regarding attacks on the facilities of polling stations, the Algerian president ensured that such incidents will never be repeated," adding that “laws are being prepared to secure public facilities."

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Tebboune also commented on calls to boycott the elections or enter a transitional period by saying, "the peaceful political and intellectual opposition is accepted; the opposition has the right to express its positions and carry out its activities in accordance with the law."

What is happening?

Algerian citizens began flocking to polling stations today, to vote in the country's local elections, Al Mayadeen correspondent reported.

According to the latest census of the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE), around 24 million voters will have to choose their representatives at the municipal and provincial councils for a period of 5 years through a new system of voting. This marks the second experiment after the parliamentary elections that were held on June 12.

More than 115,000 candidates are participating in these elections, distributed between about 40 political parties and independent lists for municipal councils, and about 19,000 candidates for provincial councils.

The ANIE had previously announced that no candidate lists were registered in 4 municipalities out of more than 1,500 municipalities distributed throughout Algeria. This is a problem for which ANIE will have to find a constitutional and legislative solution.

Algeria held its parliamentary elections earlier in June, for which a 30.20% turnout was registered.

Polling stations opened at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) and are scheduled to close at 7:00 pm.