By: Jahide Ramzani
Africa-Press. With the date of July 2 approaching, Algeria is entering a new legislative phase that the authorities are betting on to reshape the political landscape and produce a parliament representing multiple political currents—particularly parties that have boycotted the country’s political process since the February 2019 movement.
However, what stands out this time is not only the election date itself, but also the growing debate over the nature of the participating forces—most notably parties affiliated with leftist and secular currents, which for years have approached electoral contests with extreme caution, either through boycott or selective participation.
Participation as a political choice
In this context, Rachid Hassani, national secretary in charge of media at the Rally for Culture and Democracy, told Sputnik that “the decision to participate in these legislative elections was taken by the party’s National Council. It reflects the will of both the party and its activists, following in-depth discussions on the current political situation. In light of global political crises, activists decided to take part in the upcoming legislative battle. It is a political decision, as we have entered a new phase since 2019—one in which abstention and boycott may no longer bring meaningful change given the current challenges.”
Hassani added: “We are in a different political phase, and everyone must understand that the party has a program and aspires to reach power. Participation is a normal and legitimate political choice, while abstention was an exception tied to a specific stage in Algeria’s political life.” He stressed that “the desire for change and to influence decision-makers at the highest levels is what will drive us to propose reforms in favor of the people, democracy, and the rule of law. There were periods when boycott was the only effective tool, but today it is no longer beneficial—unlike participation.”
He continued: “The authorities have not provided us with any guarantees. We still face political deadlock, and heading into elections under current conditions is not comfortable. Nevertheless, it is a battle we are willing to fight to achieve new gains for the people. We will work to mobilize the party, assert our position, and encourage citizens to turn out in large numbers at the ballot box.”
Toward a more diverse political landscape
According to observers, setting July 2 as the date for the legislative elections reflects the authorities’ desire to present a more diverse political scene than in previous electoral cycles. The state realizes that a parliament formed solely by traditional administrative parties or moderate Islamist forces would not be sufficient to project an image of pluralism—either domestically or internationally.
Hence, it appears keen to attract all political currents, including leftist parties, which have long positioned themselves as a modernist voice opposing both conservative and establishment forces.
The Independent National Electoral Authority in Algeria announced the submission of 1,223 candidacy files, including 1,041 representing 35 political parties and 181 independent lists. This suggests that a significant number of parties are reconsidering their longstanding boycott stance.
Many leftist leaders have begun to speak of the need to “reclaim institutional space” and avoid leaving parliament dominated by the same traditional parties, arguing that “prolonged absence has yielded no political gains, but instead weakened their popular presence and reduced them to mere media voices with little influence on decision-making.”
From boycott to pragmatism
Observers believe this shift does not necessarily indicate full confidence among Algeria’s left in the integrity of the electoral process. Rather, it reflects a new pragmatism: continued boycott is no longer an effective strategy.
Parties that boycott remain outside the political arena, while the authorities continue forming institutions with those who participate. A growing view within this current holds that participation—even within limited margins—is better than complete absence, as it offers an opportunity to regain political platforms and promote discourse on freedoms, social justice, and economic rights at a time when public trust in political parties is declining.
A crowded electoral race
In this regard, political analyst Hakim Bougrara told Sputnik that “the upcoming legislative elections will see the participation of a very large number of national, democratic, and leftist currents, especially with the Workers’ Party expressing its intention to run.”
He emphasized that “many parties across different ideological backgrounds have realized that boycotting and leaving the political arena empty has cost them significant political losses. Their shift toward participation is driven by multiple factors, including reforms initiated by the state, the establishment of an independent authority to organize elections, amendments to party laws, and responses to the concerns of the political class.”
He added that these factors have convinced many party leaders that there are genuine intentions to form a diverse parliament that includes various political forces—one that can act as a legislative, oversight, and opposition body, especially given the broad powers granted by the Algerian Constitution.
Rebalancing the political field
Bougrara added: “After the experience of the movement, the political arena witnessed a sharp decline. Even the authorities have indicated they do not oppose the emergence of a political class capable of leading the executive if the opposition secures a majority under the Constitution.”
He noted that new generations are now entering political life through parties and elections, with new leadership emerging that was not present during previous electoral processes that were marred by fraud—marking a shift in the composition of political actors.
He stressed that current regional and international conditions require strengthening internal cohesion and enabling citizens to express themselves through institutions. The easing of candidacy requirements has also helped facilitate broader participation, reflecting a minimum level of political consensus despite ongoing differences.
A calculated openness
Bougrara pointed out that “the participation of leftist parties reflects their desire to measure their popular support and gain representation in parliament. Participation this time may be exceptional given the large number of parties intending to run.”
He added that “it is not unlikely that the authorities welcome—perhaps even indirectly encourage—this participation, as the presence of leftist and secular parties would give parliament a more diverse character, create balance with Islamist and nationalist forces, and project an image of inclusive governance.”
A decisive crossroads
Bougrara concluded that “the July 2 legislative elections are not merely a race for seats, but an attempt to re-engineer Algeria’s political field. At the center of this transformation, leftist parties stand at a critical crossroads: either remain external critics issuing statements, or enter the arena and take the risk of returning to institutional politics—even under imperfect conditions.”
According to observers, the coming days will determine whether Algeria’s left will finally break the wall of boycott and enter the parliamentary contest, or remain bound by its long-standing skepticism—once again leaving the field to parties accustomed to sharing power under a system that carefully manages political balances.
Source: Sputnik
