Expert Comment

Local elections in Algeria against a backdrop of disinterest and party crises

Algeria

Neither the new legislation altering the powers of Algeria's communes and wilayas (provinces), nor the innovations seen in May's legislative elections - now applied at local level (quota of women representatives, judicial supervision, an Islamic coalition, newly legalized political parties) - seem to be producing any mobilising effect on the Algerian electorate. Around 21 million voters are expected to vote on November 29th for roughly 24,000 commune and 2,000 wilaya councillors – numbers that have risen due to a population increase.