Algeria’s Presidential Elections 2024: Candidates Focus on Local Development, Citizen Concerns

Youcef Aouchiche (FFS): Regional Economic Empowerment

In a strategic move, Youcef Aouchiche, the candidate from the Socialist Forces Front (FFS), organized a local engagement event in Oran before participating in the “Presidential Forum” on Algerian Radio. Aouchiche’s program prominently features the establishment of “local economic poles,” tailored to leverage the unique characteristics and potential of each region. He emphasized that his policy aims to foster local initiatives by dismantling bureaucratic obstacles to investment. His focus includes tackling disparities in economic development, particularly within the transformation industry, including petrochemicals and agro-food sectors. Aouchiche also advocates for the advancement of tourism and agriculture sectors, with a special emphasis on achieving food self-sufficiency, particularly in cereals.

Brahim Merad (Campaign Director for Abdelmadjid Tebboune): Continued Development and Regional Support

Brahim Merad, campaign director for the independent candidate Abdelmadjid Tebboune, has been rallying support from the wilayas of Souk Ahras and Guelma. In Souk Ahras, Merad highlighted Tebboune’s program, which focuses on developing border and remote regions to enhance living conditions for their residents. He asserted that a strong voter turnout and Tebboune’s re-election would enable the completion of initiatives begun during his first term, particularly those benefiting the youth, who are central to his electoral platform.

In Guelma, Merad underscored the progress made during Tebboune’s initial presidency, including foundational developments aimed at addressing regional development deficiencies. He noted the recent improvements in infrastructure, such as new roadways and enhanced utilities including potable water, public lighting, and natural gas. Merad assured that a re-elected Tebboune would continue to pursue balanced regional development, with Guelma set to receive a “special program” designed to further its progress.

Broad-Based Support for Abdelmadjid Tebboune

The endorsement for Tebboune extended beyond individual campaign representatives. The Secretary General of the National Democratic Rally (RND), along with leaders from various parties including El-Bina Movement, Tajamoue Amel el Jazair (TAJ), El Fadjr El Djadid, El Moustakbel Front, and Sawt Echaab, reiterated their calls for voting in favor of Tebboune. They highlighted his role in advancing reforms and continuing national development. Similarly, the presidents of the Freedom and Justice Party (PLJ) and the New Algeria Front (FAN), as well as the Secretary Generals of El Karama and the Good Governance Front (FBG), have also supported Tebboune’s re-election bid.

Abdelaali Hassani Cherif (MSP): Emphasis on Job Creation and Youth Engagement

Abdelaali Hassani Cherif, candidate for the Society for Peace Movement (MSP), delivered a compelling address from Batna, articulating his vision to create jobs and foster investment tailored to the needs of each region. Hassani Cherif emphasized the crucial role of youth in completing the nation’s development process, advocating for specialized programs to protect and engage young people in national building and defense. He underscored Batna’s historical significance as the “capital of the Aurès” and the birthplace of the liberation hero, Chahid Mustapha Benboulaid. His platform proposes a national project designed to preserve the country’s sovereignty, social cohesion, values, and freedoms, while offering viable solutions to citizen concerns for comprehensive development.

Abdelkrim Dahmane (Vice-President of MSP): Strengthening Local Resources for Socio-Economic Development

In a rally at Oum El Bouaghi, Abdelkrim Dahmane, Vice-President of the MSP, elaborated on Hassani Cherif’s electoral program, aiming to build a “strong and prosperous” Algeria. Dahmane stressed the importance of leveraging local resources to drive socio-economic development, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to enhance the welfare and economic stability of various regions.

The candidates in Algeria’s presidential election are making a concerted effort to address local development and citizen concerns in their campaigns. Their proposals reflect a broad consensus on the need for regional empowerment, infrastructural improvements, and youth engagement. As the election approaches, the detailed plans and promises made by the candidates are shaping the national discourse on the future direction of the country.