Algerians abroad are heading to the polls on Monday to cast their votes in the country's presidential elections.
Over 24 million Algerians, both in the country and abroad, are eligible to vote in the elections, according to the National Independent Election Authority (ANIE). More than 800.000 voters abroad are expected to take part, with 15.43 per cent being under the age of 40.
ANIE is tasked with managing this overseas electorate through 117 commissions, including 18 in France, 30 in the rest of Europe, 22 in Arab countries, 21 in African countries, and 26 in Asia and America.
Voting abroad was due to start on Wednesday. However, it was brought forward by ANIE's president and shall continue until Saturday.
“In accordance with the provisions of Article 132 [of the electoral law], which enables the advancement of the opening date of the polls for Algerian voters residing abroad … The National Independent Election Authority announces the opening of polling stations starting from Monday, September 2, 2024, for voters residing abroad to cast their votes,” ANIE said on Sunday.
Article 132 of Algeria’s electoral law stipulates that the country’s Election Authority can advance the opening date of the poll by up to 120 hours, after discussing the decision with relevant diplomatic authorities.
The presidential elections were initially scheduled for December but were brought forward to September in a decision announced by the Algerian President in March.
Incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, elected in December 2019, seeks a second term but faces challenges from Youcef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front and Abdelali Hassani Cherif, from the Movement of Society for Peace.
The elections are the first to be held since Mr Tebboune came to power after a popular movement that led to the resignation of his predecessor and longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
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The flights
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Where to stay
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How The Debt Panel's advice helped readers in 2019
December 11: 'My husband died, so what happens to the Dh240,000 he owes in the UAE?'
JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband’s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.
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November 26: ‘I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year’
SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue.
SL thanked the panellists for their efforts. "Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation," he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to provide a positive testimony soon."
October 15: 'I lost my job and left the UAE owing Dh71,000. Can I return?'
MS, an energy sector employee from South Africa, left the UAE in August after losing his Dh12,000 job. He was struggling to meet the repayments while securing a new position in the UAE and feared he would be detained if he returned. He has now secured a new job and will return to the Emirates this month.
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