Algerians hold parliamentary elections overshadowed by candidate bans

Cover image: A voter hands over his document to election workers in Algiers during Algeria's parliamentary elections July 2, 2026. © Fateh Guidoum, AP

Algerians on Thursday voted in parliamentary elections amid concerns over turnout after a campaign season marked by low attendance at official campaign events. Electoral authorities barred 269 candidates from running for the 407-seat lower house of parliament ahead of the vote.

Algerians voted on Thursday to elect a new parliament in a ballot marked by apathy and the disqualification of several hopefuls, with turnout projected to hit an all-time low.