The Algerian President has won the country’s election, obtaining 95% of the total votes recorded. This comes as the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE) in Algeria declared sitting President Abdelmadjid Tebboune the winner of the September 7 presidential poll.
Tebboune won with 94.65% of the total valid votes, while his main challengers, Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, received 3.17%, and Youcef Aouchiche received 2.16%, respectively.
After winning a landslide victory amid allegations of electoral irregularities, President Joseph Boakai of Liberia has sent his Algerian counterpart a congratulatory message to extol him on his re-election. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has congratulated Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his re-election as President of that country.
According to a Foreign Ministry release, President Boakai extended warmest congratulations to his Algerian counterpart on the occasion of his re-election, on behalf of the government and people of Liberia and in his own name.
“As you have been given another mandate from your compatriots in shaping the future of your great country, it is my fervent hope that the Almighty Allah will continue to endow Your Excellency with abundant wisdom and strength as you lead your people to noble heights,” President Boakai stated.
The Liberian leader stressed that he will work alongside President Tebboune to promote international peace and economic development under the ambit of the African Union and the United Nations. He then assured his government’s willingness to continue the cordial relations that exist between the two countries and peoples.
Reports from Reuters reveal that the Algerian President was first elected during the mass “hirak” (movement) protests that forced his predecessor, Abdulaziz Bouteflika, out of power after 20 years of service.
According to media reports, Tebboune has been backed by a tough approach from the security forces, which have jailed prominent dissidents. His election in 2019 reflected the anti-establishment mood in Algeria that year, with a turnout of 40%, which is far below previous elections.
The protests, which brought hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets every week for more than a year demanding an end to corruption and the ousting of the ruling elite, were finally curtailed by the COVID pandemic.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders have expressed discontent over the conduct of the election, as they believe it was marked by electoral malpractices.
“Turnout is very low. It shows that the vast majority is like me,” said another Ouled Fayet resident, Slimane, 24, who also requested that his family name not be used. He did not vote because he does not trust politicians, a political leader stated.
