The ruling party in Algeria, the National Liberation Front (FLN), won the assembly elections on Saturday, the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIE) announced on Tuesday (June 15) in the wake of a strong abstention and political crisis.

Because of the compromise with ousted President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the FLN’s victory is surprising, despite the party’s gains from an old and extensive implantation, the unprecedented protest movement was pushed to resign in 2019.

The FLN is leading with 105 seats out of 407, with 78 independent candidates. President Mohammed Charfi told reporters that the Movement de la Society, the country’s leading Islamic organization, was third with 64 seats.

23% participation rate

The FLN, the first single party and the main party in the outgoing parliament, however, saw a significant drop in the number of seats, according to provisional official figures. It loses more than 50 seats and controls a quarter of the elected members of the new National People’s Congress. The traditionally allied National Democratic Rally (RND) won 57 seats (14%).

“The foundation of this Parliament is built by the people in complete freedom and transparency.”, Assured Mr. Charphy. ANIE announces historically low turnout (23%). ANIE reported 5.6 million voters out of more than 24 million voters, including more than one million votes. In the November referendum, the waiver was 70%.

This is the first legislature since the popular Hirak uprising, and it is unprecedented and peaceful that it led to the resignation of President Boutoflika after 20 years in power.