Algeria – The different spring.

Algerians voted a new parliament in the first election since the outbreak of the revolutions in the region in early 2011. The ruling coalition strengthen its influence in the 462 seats parliament – it gained a total of 288 seats. Unlike the strong performance of Islamist parties in elections in other countries in the region, Islamist parties landed only 58 seats altogether. Opposition groups have stated that this figure and the election results were manipulated and even boycotted the inaugural session of Parliament. The elections were attended by international election observers.

Despite discussions about voter turnout and results, the elections seem to have strengthened the position of the ruling government. However, a reconcilement between the FNL and the RND on the one hand and the Islamist Mouvement de la Société pour la Paix (MSP) – who only quit the previous government four months before the elections – may be required in order to proceed with the planned constitutional reforms promised by President Bouteflika.

The modest performance of Islamist parties and the absence of serious violence during the past year and a half, compared to neighbouring countries, suggest that the Arab spring is being digested differently in Algeria, as particular historical and socio-political factors are at  play and the country has vast energy resources. However, tackling high (youth) unemployment, implementing political reforms, diversifying the economy, as well as a widening budgetary deficit, a breakeven oil price (expected to pass USD 120 this year) and the succession of President Bouteflika remain major hurdles for the country.

Whole article you can find  >> here <<