Islamist Parties Threaten Of Boycotting Elections Over Fraud

Three political parties, forming an Islamist alliance, have threatened to withdraw from the parliamentary elections of 10 May, in case “election fraud evidences” are found before the polls.

“The Green Algeria Alliance” regroups the Movement for Society of Peace (MSP), Ennahda (Renaissance) and El-Islah (Reform). In a joint press conference, Head of El Islah, Hamlaoui Akkouchi, said the alliance “would withdraw from the electoral rendezvous, in case there were fraud evidences,” adding that “we would, by then, leave the regime alone confronting the populations.” “The regime is an artist in terms of fraud,” Mr Akkouch slammed, pointing out that “the people must participate in the protection of elections from the beginning until the end, just like the Tunisians and Egyptians did before.” “We won’t fall silent, and we would likely be withdrawing even before the kick-off of elections,” he threatened. Meanwhile, Ennahda Head, Fateh Rebai, stated that the alliance has really decided to run for May’s elections, “yet, we have not provided a blank cheque for the regime!” “Algeria is on the crossroad; chaos is not needed; and any attempt to divert the choice of electors will be a playing with fire!” In fact, the alliance parties said the fraud has started yet by the massive subscription of military troops on electoral lists after the legal deadlines. Earlier, Secretary General of the Workers Party, Louisa Hanoune, affirmed that some 33 000 troops have been subscribed after the deadline of 21 February. She further assumed that “such a move is an attempt of election fraud.” However, the Prime Minister, Ahmed Ouyahia has denied such accusations, saying “they are mere allegations meant to doubt the credibility of both the state and the Army.”