First woman elected as President of Algerian Parliament

The Algerian People’s National Assembly has elected its first woman as president on the 28th of July. According to Africanews, Khalida Boufedeche, a deputy and member of the ruling party, the National Liberation Front (FLN), was chosen to preside over the parliament.

The FLN has been the ruling party since Algeria won its war of independence against France in 1962. Khalida Boufedeche has been a member of the central committee of the party for a few years, while also being a local politician in the area of Bordj El Bahri. In more recent years, she has been a representative at the Assembly of the wilaya (region) of Algiers. 

The last Algerian Parliamentary elections took place on the 2nd of July. As covered by previous articles on Maghrebi.org, this vote was marked by a record-low turnout. In fact, only 21 per cent of the 25 million eligible voters chose to participate. The election also faced significant controversy as the government disqualified roughly one-third of the prospective candidates before the polls opened. 

The FLN won the elections with a number of 91 seats out of the 407 of the assembly. 

Three candidates from parties close to the FLN were reported to be competing for the role, such as a member of the Democratic National Rally (RND), which won 74 seats, as well as a member of the El Moustakbal Front, which now has 56 seats. Both parties are considered close and favoured by the FLN. 

Khalida Boufedeche’s election is a first for Algeria, creating a first instance of women’s visibility in Algerian politics. However, women’s representation in Algerian politics has visibly decreased, with only 25 women elected in this year’s elections, representing just 6.14% of available seats. In comparison, previous elections had been more equal for women, with 38 women elected in 2021, and 118 in 2017. 

Khalida Boufedeche explained that her new role as President of the assembly symbolised a new momentum for women in Algeria and politics, adding that her designation suggested positive change and hope for women’s valorisation in politics. 

Africanews, Maghrebi.org