Algerian political parties bring campaigns to a close
2007-05-15
In preparation for the country’s upcoming legislative elections, Algeria’s political leaders made their final bids to win over prospective voters. Much of the electorate appears apathetic about the process.
By Boualam Sanhadji for Magharebia in Algiers – 15/05/2007
![[Boualam Sanhadji] Said Saadi engages with one of his supporters.](/cocoon/awi/images/2007/05/15/070515awifeature2PHOTO_001.jpg) [Boualam Sanhadji] Said Saadi engages with one of his supporters. |
The curtain came down Monday (May 14th) on a two-week election campaign in Algeria, during which candidates in the country’s upcoming legislative elections announced their programmes and attempted to win over voters.
The parties of the presidential coalition, the National Liberation Front (FLN) and the National Rally for Democracy (RND), focused on promoting the President's programme. FLN Secretary-General Abdulaziz Belkhadem, who leads the current government, advocated a platform founded on national reconciliation, with a focus on social problems, raising the minimum wage and addressing high levels of unemployment.
The RND party, led by former Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia, called for the adoption of a hard-line attitude in fighting terrorism, and affirmed his support for the Peace Charter and national reconciliation. Ouyahia also raised several issues related to the national economy and defended his views on liberalisation.
Abu Jarra Sultani, leader of the Islamist Party represented in government by the Movement for a Society of Peace (MSP), focused on peaceful change, safeguarding national identity, and fighting corruption which he said is the public's responsibility. He called for moderation and active participation in the state while campaigning in working-class districts.
Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) leader Said Saadi tried to counter those calling for boycott, especially in the Kabylia region, in order to capture votes from the Socialist Force Front (FFS), led by Hussein Ayet Ahmed, which has pushed for non-participation in Thursday's elections. Saadi called for the establishment of local councils, and fighting bribery and corruption through strengthening and reforming the state's institutions. However Saadi met with stiff competition from Imara Ben Younis, an opposition leader from within the ranks of the RCD, who allied with Rida Malik, leader of the National Republican Alliance (ANR). These two men are seen as advocates of rooting out Islamist movements and removing the old guard from power, and are known for their opposition to amnesty for terrorists.
Louisa Hanoun, leader of the Workers' Party and candidate in the 2004 presidential elections, called for resistance to privatisation and liberalisation. She stressed what she sees as the great danger posed by multinational companies and called for the upholding of national sovereignty and the defence of workers’ rights.
The FFS called for a boycott of the elections but has not abstained from participating in the public discourse. The party has organised many rallies, distributed posters in promotion of the boycott and repeated its well-known slogans calling for opposition to those in power.
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أبوفؤاد Posted 2007-05-17
The elections are a source of anger for the followers of Algerian elections of 17 May, the political fissure is adopted by most people on behalf of the political parties which have all applauded the program of the President of the Republic, this has led most sons of the Algerian nation to practice individual opposition on Algerian streets. This opposition isn't against the regime or the parliament as an authority, but it's standing against the personalities who are presenting themselves as the best way to revive the parliamentary democracy who constitute the majority on top of lists namely in major parties that are trying to brighten the pictures of disdained, old members from former deputies and ministers who have done nothing for the people or the nation, whereas the microscopic parties are selling credits on the political stock exchange which is opening its doors during the election and close during the mandate. The seats aren't yet given to their owners in this marked described by some followers as a trading market, and today, the day of elections, the political rubbish is emerging on the top of political screen from those who are greedy for the parliament to ensure a red passport and 180.000.00 Algerian Dinars a month and a gun which will be an effective guarantee tomorrow in front of the simple people to take hold of parcels of land, villas and all that falls within the political pasture of a new parliament who will be sleeping for five years...
ع ز Posted 2007-07-07
A comment about the topic, it deals with the negative aspects which destroy the concept of democracy and the right of the people to express its opinion, contribute to building its country and managing the affairs of the citizens. The issue of supporting the programme of the ruler are common in many developing countries, namely the Arab states. But in Algeria, the presidential program supported by parties, is elected by the people with a rate over 85%, as it concerns 2 million jobs, a million homes for the citizens. This what drove the parties to adopt it and not applaud it, you've described the parties as microscopic, whereas they've nominated their members in all provinces and were supported by the people who have led some of their members to the parliament, the people have applauded them for their success. Moreover, if we gather all the votes they got, they outperform the parties you described as big. We think that all the parties in the Arab Maghreb have to urge their militants to perform their duties in the best way for the interest of the voters in order to reflect democracy in real life. Kind regards.
ghebeche Posted 2007-10-17
Hi, I want some democracy in Taougrite: it is for the people, not for a few veterans' children. The real question is why the wilaya does not want to accept the upcoming dossier for the selection of Mr. Bekouche, ex-president of Taougrite-Chlef. I am letting you know that danger will is on its way, to be followed by a large protest and an intervention against the Wilaya of Chlef. Let the people decide for themselves!
bakhti Posted 2007-11-01
Mir Arendi is a candidate in our constituency (municpality of Khmisseti, province of Tlemcen 38100) at the head of the old party for ten years. The question is where are the values and political awareness, where the popular base, how much is the deal, it's said that it's about 250 million cents.
ridha Posted 2008-03-07
Thank you for offering an opportunity to Maghreb young people. I was happy to see my comment publsihed on your prominent site. We wish you continuity. Good luck with wishes of success.
ridha Posted 2008-03-12
We hope that Moroccan young people will be offered an opportunity to freely express their opinions on your prominent site in different fields. We ask the Algerian young people to express freely their reality and concerns namely about the modification of the current constitution after ten years of implementation and what is intended from that, where is the direction and what’s the fate of thousands of executives who graduated from Algerian universities and institutes. We hope that you contribute.
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