Tebboune's reelection bid is Algeria's bet on stability over reform
A second Tebboune term will keep him as the manager of government activity, not in a position of real power in Algeria.
As Algeria readies for presidential elections on Sept. 7, the incumbent, 78-year-old Abdelmadjid Tebboune, seems set to clinch a second term.
Tebboune said in a July interview that he had decided to run because of the support from political parties and young people.
In reality, Tebboune is as unpopular as the regime he acts as a front for. In Algeria, real power remains in the hands of the military. Le Pouvoir, the country’s obscure oligarchy of aging generals and security officials, has chosen or approved every president since Algeria's independence in 1962.
This election is no different. Much like during his first run, Tebboune’s candidacy does not reflect a popular base of support. Rather, it shows the military’s lack of options for keeping up the status quo.
