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As a French minister makes an official visit, Islamists are unlikely to come to power in Algeria

February 17, 2014 at 11:14 pm

The professor of political science at the University of Algiers has said that it is unlikely for Algeria to adopt a radical political model such as those in Tunisia and Morocco which have enabled Islamists to win elections. Speaking exclusively to Quds Press, Dr. Abdul Aali Razzaghi said, “The administration is in full control of the elections in Algeria, and if things remain unchanged the Islamists will not win or even secure a good proportion of the votes, except in some large cities as Algiers, Wahran, Constantine and Stayf.”

The cities in the south, he claimed, are controlled by the National Liberation Front and the NDA, and Islamists could not under any circumstances exceed around 30 per cent of the votes. “That will achieve nothing for the Islamists under the present constitution,” said Dr. Razzaghi. One-third of the parliamentary seats in Algeria are filled by people appointed by the President.


Meanwhile, the French Interior Minister, Claude Guéant, started an official visit to Algeria, on Sunday during which he is expected to discuss bilateral relations between Paris and Algiers, including the fight against “terrorism” and illegal immigration. According to Dr. Razzaghi, the visit provides an opportunity for propaganda for the French government.

“I do not think there is a problem between Algeria and France with regards to coordination in the fight against terrorism and the reduction of illegal migration,” he said. “In fact, the main reason for the visit is linked to France’s domestic issues and the political situation in Paris.” There are 3 million French voters with joint Algerian-French nationality, he added, and the Sarkozy government is working hard to gain their support and votes.