Middle East and North Africa: Algeria
Political Overview
Algeria today is emerging from a decade of deadly civil strife, which has officially resulted in some 150,000 deaths and $30 billion in material damage. With terrorist violence on the wane, life has begun to return to normal and Algerian citizens and government alike have begun to focus on other economic and social priorities.
The normalization process also extends to the political realm. A constitutional revision and series of multiparty elections since 1997 have seen the military's gradual withdrawal from civilian life and the installation of local and national assemblies. However, while each successive poll has brought improvements in electoral administration and fewer allegations of fraud, important electoral system flaws persist. Many Algerians still remain deeply skeptical that political change is possible through the ballot box. The government's rhetorical commitment to democratization must therefore be accompanied by efforts to reinforce the separation of powers, strengthen judicial independence, and lift existing barriers to freedom of expression and association. Elected officials at all levels must likewise provide more effective oversight of the executive branch and work to advance citizen-centered legislative agendas.
Program Overview
With the aim of encouraging more representative and accountable governance in Algeria, NDI is working to strengthen political parties and civic organizations and assist them to become engines of sustainable political and economic reform. Specifically, NDI's ongoing programs in Algeria seek to: 1) improve the organizational and communications capacity of political parties; 2) assist civic organizations to become stronger advocates for political reform; and 3) increase the participation of women and youth in politics.
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NDI's support to political parties includes an initiative to help women activists achieve greater representation in party leadership posts and elected institutions via training and advocacy.
NDI helped to create a multiparty "women's working group" that developed and submitted a list of recommendations, including legislative and voluntary political party quotas, to the Algerian government and party leaders in 2004. The Institute has also organized two Women Leaders: Everyone Wins retreats, enabling 70 women political activists to network and further develop their leadership skills.
In 2005, NDI launched a pilot program to enhance communication between local party activists and citizens. Since then, 100 local activists have begun using new public opinion research and outreach techniques to remain in regular contact with citizens.
NDI also began working with over 20 civic organizations in 2003, assisting them to more effectively advocate for policy change on diverse human rights issues. Meanwhile, in partnership with the Algerian Muslim Scouts, the Institute began a civic education program that engaged 200 voting age youth in monthly discussions on democratic institutions and practices in 2005.
Prior NDI Activities in Algeria
Prior to the 2002 legislative elections, NDI provided technical assistance via a comprehensive party building, election monitoring, and voter education program. From 1998 to 2001, the Institute offered members of parliament and party leaders the opportunity to exchange practical information on party organizing, communications and constituency outreach with their international peers via in-country workshops and study missions. Also active on the issue of electoral reform, NDI organized two international conferences on this theme in 2003, and trained over 30 Algerian journalists on balanced and accurate media coverage in advance of the 2002 local elections.
Contact Information
For further information on our programs in Algeria, please contact:
Gabriella Borovsky, Program Officer
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