No Electoral Campaign For Algerian Parliament Candidates in Canada

Minister of Algerian NationalS Abroad, Halim Benatallah said Tuesday that Algerian candidates running for the upcoming parliamentary elections to represent nationals living in Canada will not be able to organize an electoral campaign in the North America country.

In an interview with the local radio, Mr Benatallah mentioned that after a series of talks with Canadian authorities, an agreement has been reached, saying there will not be an electoral campaign there, adding that the vote will be held in consulate and diplomatic headquarters of Algeria in Canada. He explained that “In respect to the sovereignty of Canada and in respect to the sovereignty of Algeria, there won’t be an electoral campaign in Canada; the poll should take place in the diplomatic and consulate headquarters.” On another side, the minister mentioned that as many as 500 foreign monitors are due to oversee the parliamentary elections, adding that this figure is likely to reach 600, with the confirmation of the participation of US NGOs’ monitors. The official stated that EU monitors, ahead of the parliamentary elections, will not be privileged after the signature of the memorandum of understanding between Algeria and the EU. Mr Benatallah said: “this memorandum is based on two main principles: the respect of the national sovereignty, and the respect of Algerian laws in force.” He further indicated that all the monitors will be guaranteed the right to reach information and liberty of movement.