The results of the Algerian legislative elections are expected in a few days, according to the authority

By Lamine Chikhi and Hamid Ould Ahmed

ALGIERS, June 13 (Reuters) – The results of an Algerian parliamentary election in which less than a third of voters took part will be announced in a few days, the head of the electoral authority announced on Saturday evening.

The ruling establishment has attempted to use the elections as well as the crackdown on dissent as a way to end two years of political unrest as Algeria faces a looming economic crisis.

Supporters of the “Hirak” mass protest movement said this shows the system lacks legitimacy. Two prominent journalists, Khaled Drareni and Ihsane El Kadi, and opposition figure Karim Tabbou, were arrested last week but released on Saturday.

Politicians said the turnout of 30.2%, the lowest ever officially recorded for a parliamentary election in Algeria, was “acceptable”.

“The election took place under good conditions. Voters were able to vote and choose the candidates best suited to serve Algeria,” the head of the electoral authority, Mohamed Chorfi, told television.

Protests erupted in 2019 and toppled veteran President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, continuing weekly until the global pandemic strikes a year later. After a one-year hiatus, they resumed in February, but police mostly canceled them last month.

Many Algerians believe that the real power lies with the military and security establishments that have dominated politics for decades, rather than with elected politicians.

“We have grown accustomed in the past to a high turnout due to fraud,” said Arslan Chikhaoui, an Algerian analyst, saying the authorities manipulated the election results before the Hirak protests to suggest greater enthusiasm.

After Bouteflika’s resignation, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was elected with a participation rate of 40%. Last year, he held a referendum on an amended constitution that received just 25% of the vote.

The old parties that traditionally dominated have been marred by corruption and abuse scandals, giving way to independents and moderate Islamist parties who hope to win a majority of seats in the new parliament.

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Those who win a lot of seats are likely to be included in the next government.

During the next five-year term of Parliament, Algeria is expected to face a budgetary and economic crisis, having exhausted four-fifths of its foreign exchange reserves since 2013.

The government has maintained expensive social programs and the central role of the state in the economy despite falling oil and gas sales.

Reforms aimed at strengthening the private sector have contributed to the corruption that fueled the Hirak. The spending cuts could spark a new wave of protests against the ruling establishment.

Laws passed by the outgoing parliament to encourage foreign and private investment and strengthen the energy sector have so far had little effect.

(Written by Angus McDowall Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)