In recent years, Algeria has concentrated its efforts on transforming its political landscape, moving from “chaos and overlapping authorities” toward an institutional framework akin to those in leading democracies worldwide.
The momentum of political reforms gained significant traction following the announcement of a comprehensive constitutional review, ratified by the Algerian populace in 2020. This milestone served as the foundation for a series of reforms aimed at restructuring institutions and legislation, with objectives to achieve genuine separation of powers, restore order, reestablish the authority of state institutions, and rebuild citizens’ trust in them. The overarching goal has consistently been to safeguard these institutions from potential deviations and cleanse them of any “blemishes.”
The 2020 Constitution was crafted to enshrine democracy and ensure a true separation of powers. It bolstered parliamentary oversight over government activities and promoted harmonious functioning among state institutions. Key provisions included establishing power rotation, separating money from politics, mechanisms to ensure the integrity of public officials, and recognizing the opposition’s constitutional right to legislative and legal oversight, thereby giving it a role in national development.
This constitutional revision was supported by a series of comprehensive legislative reforms designed to align the legal framework with the new constitution, complete the construction of institutions, establish various newly created bodies, and foster the emergence of a new generation of elected councils.
One such body is the Constitutional Court, which now plays a significant role in electoral processes, ensuring their fairness and transparency through oversight of presidential and legislative elections, as well as referendums. It also adjudicates electoral disputes and announces final results, thus acting as a guardian of popular will.
As part of Algeria’s expansive political reforms, the High Authority for Transparency, Prevention, and Fight Against Corruption was established to achieve the highest standards of integrity in public affairs management. Additionally, the National Independent Authority for Election and other bodies aimed at youth aspirations, such as the Supreme Youth Council and the National Observatory for Civil Society, were introduced.
The new constitutional and consultative bodies emerging from Algeria’s recent reforms have been instrumental in transitioning the country to a new phase of cohesive and integrated governance, free from isolation or exclusion, with a strong emphasis on eradicating corruption across all institutions. This began with the election law, which introduced measures to cleanse the electoral process of corrupt finances, ensure the people’s choice prevails at every level, and prevent “quota” systems in seat distribution and vote-buying, clearly separating money from politics.
Indeed, new councils have been elected in Algeria, starting with the parliament, marking the beginning of a fresh chapter for the country. This has elevated the role of competent young individuals, a crucial and central gain for the republic’s institutions after years of “marginalization.”
The legislative elections, representing a critical aspect of Algeria’s extensive political reforms, were followed by municipal and provincial council elections as part of the ongoing process to build the country’s institutions. These efforts have been reinforced by a robust legal arsenal, turning the envisioned reforms into a tangible reality.
