Abdelmadjid Tebboune Secures Another Term Amid Controversy

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been re-elected in Algeria's presidential election, winning 94% of the vote. Despite low voter turnout and international criticism over a repressive campaign atmosphere, he and his challengers appealed to the Algerian youth who face significant socio-economic challenges.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has secured another term in Algeria's presidential election, marking his continued leadership of the gas-rich North African country. The win comes five years after pro-democracy protests led to the ousting of his predecessor.

The nation's independent election authority announced Sunday that Tebboune won a staggering 94% of the vote, overshadowing Islamist Abdelali Hassani Cherif and socialist Youcef Aouchiche who garnered 3% and 2.1% respectively. This outcome was anticipated by both local and international observers.

The election was marred by low voter turnout, with less than six million out of 24 million eligible voters participating, continuing a trend seen in Tebboune's first term. Critics, including Amnesty International, condemned the repressive nature of the campaign and harassment of opposition figures and media. Nevertheless, all candidates encouraged political participation, especially among the youth, who are grappling with poverty and unemployment.

(With inputs from agencies.)