Voters keep Algeria’s legislative leaders in power despite economy, unemployment
Islamists gained some influence in Algeria’s recent parliamentary elections, but the ruling party retained its position.
Algeria’s governing coalition won the majority of parliament seats in the recent election and, amid the country’s economic crisis, the Islamist Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP) earned enough seats to return to the political scene.
The ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) retained power in the oil-rich country in the May 4 legislative elections. Despite the sensitive timing of the vote, which coincided with tough economic cutbacks aimed at making up for decreasing oil prices, the FLN and its ally, the National Rally for Democracy (RND), secured 261 votes out of 462.
The RND obtained 97 seats, which helped save the FLN from losing the majority after winning only 164 seats — about one-quarter less than it won in 2012. The RND and FLN had formed a coalition to fend off rising challengers such as the MSP.
Voter turnout was low. During Friday prayers the week before, the Algerian minister of justice called for eligible citizens to participate in elections, yet only 37% voted, compared with 43% in 2012. The minister’s lack of impact merely reaffirmed the people’s lack of interest in the elections.
