What is in Algeria’s proposed constitutional and electoral amendments?
Algeria’s government has launched discussions on proposed technical amendments to the constitution and the country’s electoral law, outlining changes that could affect elections, state institutions and the judiciary.
The amendments were introduced by Boualem Boualem, Director of the Office of the Presidency, who outlined 10 key proposals aimed at updating existing constitutional provisions and addressing legal gaps.
Key proposed changes
One of the proposals would introduce an educational requirement for presidential candidates, making proof of a certain level of education a condition for running for the office.
Another proposal seeks to formalise the presidential swearing-in process, including specifying the authority before which the oath is taken and who administers it.
The draft amendments would also allow the president to call early local elections, a power not clearly defined under current rules.
In the judicial sector, the proposals suggest removing the requirement for Supreme Judicial Council approval for certain judicial appointments and transfers, arguing that the president already serves as head of the council.
There is also a proposal to extend the term of the Speaker of the National Assembly from three to six years, to ensure continuity and institutional stability.
Other changes include adjusting the parliamentary session calendar, allowing more flexibility in opening sessions in September while maintaining a 10-month duration.
Judiciary and elections
The draft amendments propose changes to the composition of the Supreme Judicial Council, removing some appointed and representative members and adding the Attorney General of the Supreme Court.
On elections, the government wants to expand the oversight role of the Independent National Election Authority, while assigning logistical and material preparations to the public administration.
Two transitional provisions are also proposed. One would allow for temporary measures to avoid constitutional gaps, particularly during the partial renewal of parliament. The other would set clear deadlines for institutions to comply with new legal structures following reforms. The proposals were presented during a special seminar overseen by Prime Minister Sifi Gharib, attended by senior government officials, political party leaders and representatives of the Independent National Election Authority.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
