Algeria: UK think-tank confirms possibility of postponing upcoming presidential election
A British think-tank has responded to the slanderous remarks made by Algeria’s news agency (APS) against Morocco’s institutions over the possibility of postponing the Dec.2024 presidential election in Algeria by confirming such a scenario due to the chaotic situation in the North African country controlled by the army.
The presidential election delay was first tackled by an Algerian political leader and some Algerian experts before some independent Moroccan analysts addressed the subject matter. But APS unfairly targeted Morocco with calumnious statements, violating all codes of ethics of professional journalism.
According to an analysis published by the London-based Menas Associates, which provides actionable intelligence to decision-makers, the postponement of the election in Algeria is very likely, citing in this regard several factors, dealing a hard blow to the doubters and Algerian manipulators.
Firstly, there is increasing pressure on President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to stand down. He is not favored by the Army, the so-called ‘deep state’ dominated by the old intelligence & security service (DRS), say the British experts.
Secondly, the military has not yet come up with an alternative candidate because they are overly preoccupied with fighting amongst themselves. A postponement of a further six months would give them more time to find a solution.
Thirdly, the regime does not know how such a radical action would be received. Domestically, a postponement would raise an outcry but one that would be containable because most Algerians no longer care about them. Internationally, however, it could cause major problems for Algeria, so the regime wants more time to assess how such a decision would be received, and especially by the US and France.
If the election is postponed, the regime would need to justify the decision. The most likely pretext would be that — as a result of the current potentially hostile pressure on all its borders— the country is on a war footing or even in a state of war, say the experienced UK analysts.
The Algerian junta, de factor ruler, could also easily say that it is in such a state of chaos that more time was needed to organize the election.
Furthermore, because of the recent gaffs made by the Algerian junta and the militarization of the diplomatic service, Algeria has received further serious rebuffs in its foreign relations with Spain, Russia, and France. Meanwhile, in the few past weeks all are developing new and seemingly very positive relations with Morocco.
Simultaneously, the security situation in the south is still very worrying for the Algerian regime, because Russian troops have taken over the Malian border crossing at In Khalil, as well as adjacent artisanal gold mines.
The authorities in Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali and other Sahel countries have all risen against the Algerian junta’s interference in their domestic affairs, reaching out to Morocco for help and support due to its credibility, neutrality and solidarity-based cooperation fueled by “win-win” partnership.
