Algerian Presidential Candidate Alleges Vote Count Irregularities

An Algerian presidential hopeful claims vote count irregularities in an election expected to secure President Abdulmadjid Tebboune a second term. Early turnout was low, with allegations of ballot manipulation and suppressed records. Analysts anticipate Tebboune's victory, continuing his social spending agenda and hardline security measures since his 2019 election during mass protests.

An Algerian presidential candidate has raised concerns about irregularities in the vote count, with results expected to reaffirm President Abdulmadjid Tebboune for a second term.

Saturday's election had minimal voter engagement, evidenced by a preliminary 48% turnout in the race featuring Tebboune, moderate Islamist Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, and secularist Youcef Aouchiche. Hassani Cherif's team accused polling officials of vote inflation and improper handling of vote-sorting records, alongside incidents of group voting.

Reuters could not obtain comments from Tebboune's or Aouchiche's campaigns or the electoral commission. Analysts foresee a definitive win for Tebboune, likely extending his governance style, marked by renewed social expenditure funded through higher energy revenues. His strict security policies have also led to the imprisonment of prominent dissenters since his initial election amid significant anti-establishment protests in 2019.

(With inputs from agencies.)