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Algerian Opposition Threatens to Boycott 2017 Elections | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Indigenous Sahrawi people react during the funeral of Western Sahara’s Polisario Front leader Mohamed Abdelaziz in Tindouf, Algeria June 3, 2016. REUTERS/Ramzi Boudina


Algeria- Algerian opposition parties have unanimously agreed that results of May 2017 parliamentary elections are already settled for the sake of the two parties supporting President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Opposition parties were disappointed with the president’s rejection to respond to their demands in establishing an independent committee to follow up the elections. They suggested that the committee consist of figures known for their integrity and who have not worked in governmental bodies before. They added that the committee shall be assigned to supervise the electing operation aside from the authorities.

Instead, and by virtue of a new law, Bouteflika established a supreme authority to supervise the elections consisting of 400 people selected by the president.

L’Instance de Concertation et de suivi de l’Opposition (ICSO), consisting of members of the opposition parties, stated in a meeting held on Thursday that regulations that organize the political life mainly the elections law don’t serve democracy and pluralism. In fact they provoke political parties and the Algerian people who are eager to have legal institutions enjoying integrity. ICSO added that this makes the opposition open to all choices, as a hint of boycotting parliamentary and municipal elections due in 2017.

Movement for the Society of Peace leader Abderazzak Makri posted on Facebook, “During Thursday meeting, I did not call neither for participating nor boycotting elections. I chose to stick to two key points: first that the parties should address the Algerian people since they are basic elements in the political equation, and second that the opposition’s unity serves the country’s stability especially amid the economic downfalls”.

Justice and Development Front leader Abdallah Djaballah seems to be more pessimist with regards to the future politics compared to other opposition leaders. Djaballah told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the elections are worthless because once again the elections law will grant the majority to the pro-regime parties.