Algeria: Mixed expectations for legislative elections

Expectations are mixed ahe of legislative elections in Algeria. While independent candidates see an opportunity for more young people and women to take seat in parliament, members of a pro-democracy movement called for a boycott of electoral process. 1,483 candidate lists, with 646 representing political parties and 837 independents, hope to win one of 407 seats in Algerian parliament in elections on Saturday.

voting comes earlier than planned, after president dissolved parliament in February. Parity between female and male candidates is among new rules governing elections. " new election law gives more chance to youth who represent almost half of candidates," said independent Khidja Laatar.

legislative elections are taking place under a new system meant to weed out corruption and open voter rolls, a major step in President Abdelmjid Tebboune's promise of a "new Algeria." But a crackdown on pro-democracy Hirak movement, with hundreds arrested around Algeria during recent protests, have cast a pall over presidential efforts to give a new face to a nation whose army plays a backseat role in governance.

Hirak supporters, including parties from so-called "democratic movement," have vowed to boycott first legislative voting since former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced from office in April 2019 after 20 years in power. It was pressure from marchers of movement, beginning in February 2019, and from army chief at time that decided Bouteflika's fate.

"Elections in Algeria have always proved that y are t solution. solution lies in democratic transition, it also lies in a dialogue around a table in order to solve crisis," said Sofiane Hdji, an activist from Hirak movement who was detained for participating in a protest in May and later released.

While in streets opinions about voting or t on Saturday are divided, for political analysts, Algerians have lost faith in electoral processes. "It turns out that Algerians have confirmed that for m, elections have never been a solution," said Nacer Djabi, a sociologist and political scientist.

Two local Algiers residents h contrasting views. Mohammed Baoui said he will vote as candidates who "will bring change to country". "Previous ones were more focused on ir personal affairs and y forgot about people," he ded. Abed Elhak, however, said he didn't have his voting card and even if he did, he wouldn't vote.

While re is an unprecedented number of candidates for June 12 vote - nearly 1,500 lists for rth African nation's 58 regions with hundreds of ors weeded out by Independent National Elections Authority - how many people will go to polls remains a mystery.