As Algeria heads into its presidential election this weekend, the usual signs of campaign fervor are notably absent. Billboards remain empty, campaign posters are scarce, and aside from public television broadcasts showing candidates on the move, there is little visible enthusiasm.
Voters in the gas-rich North African nation are more preoccupied with the prolonged inflation affecting the prices of essential goods like school supplies, potatoes, and coffee.
This economic strain overshadows the political landscape as the election approaches.
Military-backed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, 78, is widely expected to secure a second term.
“How can you expect Algerians to have any interest in the elections when life is hell on a daily basis?” asked Noureddine Benchikh, a middle school principal, reflecting the general sentiment of disinterest.
This political apathy contrasts sharply with the optimism of April 2019, when the Hirak movement’s pro-democracy activists demanded significant changes to Algeria’s military-dominated political system following the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
However, many voters now feel that the political elites have re-entrenched themselves in power.
The election authority has approved only two candidates to challenge Tebboune: 57-year-old Abdelaali Hassani Cherif and 41-year-old socialist Youcef Aouchiche, a former journalist.
Sociologist Mohamed Hennad noted that the primary concern for the political establishment, or “le pouvoir,” is voter turnout to legitimize their candidate.