Algeria

In 2012, our political experts evaluated Algeria’s election process and the evolution of the country’s democratic environment.

The Center noted progress toward free and fair elections, thanks to electoral reforms, but also found deviations from best practices and international election standards.

Impact

Analyzed the electoral process, specifically the legal framework, work of administration and oversight bodies, and voter lists
Recognized Algeria’s progress, giving credit where it was due
Offered key recommendations to help the country move forward

Legacy

Democracy

How it Started

In the aftermath of 2011’s Arab Spring, and following the implementation of some political and electoral reform measures, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika called for elections for the People’s National Assembly of Algeria – the lower house of the Parliament – on May 10, 2012. He invited a number of organizations, including The Carter Center, to observe the elections.

Our Work and Methods

We sent a small group of experts to evaluate the general democratic environment and certain aspects of the electoral process, including:

The legal framework
The work of election administration and oversight bodies
The voter lists

Among the positive developments we noted:

The institution of a commission of magistrates and increased autonomy for the monitoring body.
Mandatory quotas for women’s representation in elected bodies.

Impacts

Though the legal framework for Algeria’s elections proved generally adequate, the election process suffered from a lack of public confidence and citizen participation, driven in part by gaps in transparency.

We were grateful to be a part of the process, to see the progress being made, and we were able to share key recommendations for the authorities, political parties, and civil society groups to consider moving forward.

Learn more about our work in Algeria in 2012