The Algerian parliamentary elections that took place on Thursday 4 May were marked by relative stability. The retention of the main parties (that of President Bouteflika, the FLN, and its ally the RND) is coupled, however, by another notable fact: the extent of disaffection from the electorate.
"The overall turnout (...) stood at 37.09%", according to news agency APS. The new parliament will be "clearly dominated by the majority that has governed since the accession of President Bouteflika to the supreme judicial authority, but nevertheless preserves its pluralist character", APS states.
Responding to EUROPE, the spokesperson for the European External Action Service simply said that the EU has "followed these elections closely" and "reiterates its resolve to cooperate with the future parliament and the government in order to strengthen EU-Algeria relations, including their inter-parliamentary dimension".
This cautious response could be explained by the desire not to become more involved, at at time when protests are being recorded. This will have to be confirmed by the "electoral experts' mission" (EEM)" sent to Algeria for the occasion, which will publish its report "as quickly as possible". The subdued tone would seem in keeping with "the EU's resolve to accompany Algeria in the process of implementing the new Algerian constitutional arrangements adopted in early 2016" – a resolve that had already been affirmed before the election. (Original version in French by Fathi B’Chir)