Prominent Algerian opposition figures blast 'authoritarian climate' ahead of presidential election

Eleven prominent Algerian opposition figures have written an open letter this week, denouncing “the authoritarian climate” surrounding the country’s upcoming presidential election and calling for a broad democratic transition. Under the rule of military-backed President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, freedom of expression has witnessed a rollback, experts say. In their open letter Sunday, the opposition members said the Sep. 7 election was a rubber stamp exercise in futility and that the lack of civil liberties makes holding a legitimate election impossible. They also underscored how the government’s security policy in preparation for the election “continues to trample on the will of the people.”