Algeria gears up for parliamentary elections amid widespread voter disinterest and limited candidate choices.

Algeria, a resource-rich nation, is preparing for parliamentary elections, but enthusiasm among voters appears to be at an all-time low. In the capital Algiers, election campaigns are barely visible, with streets adorned more with football banners than political posters. Citizens express frustration over economic hardships, with many saying they won’t participate in the vote. Limited candidate options further dampen interest, as the election authority has reportedly rejected several candidates under controversial circumstances.

Opposition leader Youcef Aouchiche, representing the socialist party Front des Forces Socialistes (FFS), is campaigning for greater parliamentary influence and higher voter turnout. Speaking in Bouira province, he emphasized the need to restore the parliament’s role as a sovereign institution. However, with voter turnout at just 23% in 2021, expectations remain low. Social issues like inflation and economic diversification dominate public concerns, while political freedoms and human rights remain sidelined.