Controversial Landslide Win: Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune Secures Re-election Amid Low Turnout

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has won a landslide re-election, marred by low voter turnout and claims of electoral irregularities. Tebboune secured 94.7% of the vote, far surpassing his opponents. The election, criticized by pro-democracy activists and international bodies, witnessed low participation, raising concerns over democratic legitimacy.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been declared the winner in Algeria's presidential election, securing a massive 94.7% of the vote, but the victory comes with allegations of voter irregularities and a notably low turnout.

The independent election authority reported that Islamist candidate Abdelali Hassani Cherif and socialist candidate Youcef Aouchiche received 3.2% and 2.2%, respectively. Observers note the military's influential role in Algerian politics, fuelling criticism from pro-democracy activists who argue that elections serve to mask elite control.

High abstention rates were observed, with only 5.6 million out of 24 million eligible voters participating. This led international organizations like Amnesty International to criticize the restrictive electoral environment. Tebboune's rivals raised concerns of voting process malpractices, making the election controversial and highlighting the rift between the establishment and democratic activists.

(With inputs from agencies.)