Controversial Algerian Vote Weak Turnout Might Reflect People’s New Rejection of Government Reform

Democracy, elections and voting at Democracy Chronicles

No sign of Arab Spring as Algerians trickle to polls

Algeria Thursday held its first polls since the Arab Spring, with an official turnout figure poised to belie deep voter disaffection over the prospect of a political status quo. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s National Liberation Front (FLN), the former single party, and its two government allies.

In Bab El Oued, election is ‘news from a foreign country’

Bab El Oued is the real heart of Algiers but it was beating slowly Thursday, as residents sat out an election they feel they have no part in and is happening in a world far removed from theirs. “It’s like a day off, I’m just resting. I know there’s nothing for me in this election,” said Mohamed.