Low turnout ‘denies Algerian MPs strong mandate’

An election marked by voter apathy, driven by low confidence in politicians and struggling economies, is hardly a new trend in this region.

Algeria’s ruling FLN, and its traditional allies, have retained their majority in parliament, and with that, the people’s distrust in their abilities to bring about change.

It’s not just about the future leaders: It’s also about bread, jobs, and the ability of the state to deliver socio-economic reforms with minimum damage to the livelihoods of its people.

Algerians have long lost confidence in their politicians to do that.

Like other oil-based economies in Africa, the drop in oil prices in recent years had crippling effects.

The country’s new legislators were hoping for a high voter turnout because they needed a strong mandate from their electorate for the inevitable spending cuts and reforms that are coming.

Now they will have to work a lot harder on building bridges and trust.