Arab Spring Democracy Push Puts Pressure on Ruling Dictatorship and is a Test of Algeria Reforms

Democracy, elections and voting at Democracy Chronicles

Algeria vote puts status quo to Arab Spring test

AFP – Algeria readied Wednesday for its first election since the Arab Spring swept the region, with the historical ruling party, its moderate Islamist allies and the boycott camp all hoping to claim victory. Social discontent and deadly riots rattled Algeria in January 2011 when revolutions were sweeping the region. In Algeria’s proud Kabylie region, a traditional opposition stronghold, few entertain any hope that Thursday’s polls can spur a democratic uprising, and voters are a rare and discreet breed. “I’m not going to vote, that’s for sure,” said Lamine, who sells air conditioners in Tizi Ouzou.