Algeria legislative elections see historic low turnout of 20.79%
Provisional figures from the electoral authority put participation at 20.79%, the lowest ever recorded for a legislative election in the North African country.
Record-low turnout
Only 4.96 million of the 23.87 million registered voters cast ballots, according to the National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE). The 20.79% rate is even lower than the 23% recorded in 2021, which was itself a historic low. Among Algerians living abroad, participation was just 10.67%. Polling stations in central Algiers were described as nearly empty by mid-afternoon.
- 2026-07-02T10:00:00
- 3.05 %
- 2026-07-02T15:00:00
- 11.24 %
- 2026-07-02T20:00:00
- 20.79 %
A subdued campaign
The vote was the second legislative election since the 2019 Hirak protest movement that forced out longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Despite 35 political parties, one coalition, and over 100 independent lists fielding nearly 10,000 candidates, the campaign failed to generate enthusiasm. Observers noted a weak campaign and widespread disinterest. Women made up 21% of candidates, and more than half were under 40.
We came to do our duty, hoping for something good. That's all I have to say.
Controversy over candidate lists
The election was marred by the invalidation of roughly one-third of candidate lists, with several parties protesting their exclusion from certain constituencies, particularly in the capital. Four parties that boycotted the 2021 vote rejoined the process this time.
Official reactions
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, after casting his ballot in Algiers, said the election took place in good conditions and that no candidate or party had complained of fraud or vote rigging. Interior Minister Saïd Sayoud urged Algerians to turn out in force. ANIE interim president Karim Khelfane stressed that the turnout figure was provisional and would likely change.
These figures are provisional. They will surely change and move.
What's next
The 407-seat People's National Assembly is elected for a five-year term, with 12 seats reserved for the diaspora. Results are expected in the coming days. Pro-government parties such as the National Liberation Front (FLN) are expected to dominate. The low turnout raises questions about the legitimacy of the incoming parliament, a concern echoed by the daily L'Expression, which wrote that participation was "the main battle horse of political headquarters, anxious to establish the full legitimacy of the future Assembly."
