In Algeria, voting has concluded in the presidential election where incumbent Abdelmadjid Tebboune is expected to secure a second term. With voting extending an hour beyond the scheduled time, Tebboune, 78, is predicted to defeat moderate conservative Abdelaali Hassani Cherif and socialist candidate Youcef Aouchiche. More than 24 million Algerians were eligible to vote in the election, with Aouchiche urging citizens to participate and move forward from despair. Campaign rallies faced challenges in garnering excitement due to the summer heat, with all candidates targeting young voters by promising to enhance living conditions and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons.
Preliminary results may be announced on Saturday, with official results by Sunday at the latest. Tebboune has highlighted economic achievements in his first term, while challengers have pledged greater freedoms for the people. Despite the lack of a significant political opposition in Algeria, experts anticipate Tebboune to win in the first round of the election. There is optimism among analysts that economic reforms and changing perceptions towards corruption and politics could lead to a positive economic outlook for the country. The outcome of the election is seen as crucial for Algeria’s future direction and potential growth.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
