2009 Algerian presidential election

The Council of Ministers announced on 3 November 2008 that a planned constitutional revision would remove the two-term limit on the presidency that was previously included in Article 74, thereby enabling Bouteflika to run for a third term.[1] The People's National Assembly endorsed the removal of the term limit on 12 November 2008, with only the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) voting against its removal.[2]

Thirteen candidates submitted papers to contest the election, but only six were approved to run:[3]

• Abdelaziz Bouteflika, incumbent president and leader of the National Liberation Front. Supported by the Democratic National Rally
• Louisa Hanoune, candidate of the Workers' Party
• Moussa Touati, candidate of the Algerian National Front (FNA)
• Mohammed Said, independent candidate supported by his Party of Justice and Liberty (which was not recognised at the time of the election)[4]
• Djahid Younsi, candidate of the Movement for National Reform
• Ali Fawzi Rebaine, candidate of Ahd 54

Although some urged former President Liamine Zéroual to run, he said in a published statement on 14 January 2009 that he would not, while also suggesting that it was not in the best interests of democracy for Bouteflika to run for a third term.[5]

RCD President Saïd Sadi announced on 15 January 2009 that the RCD would not participate in the elections, which he described as a "pathetic and dangerous circus", saying that to participate "would be tantamount to complicity in an operation of national humiliation".[2]

Bouteflika announced his independent candidacy for a third term at a rally in Algiers on 12 February 2009,[6] and officially submitted his candidacy on 23 February, shortly before the deadline.[7]

The official turnout of 75% was disputed by the opposition, with some claiming it was as low as 16%.[8] Informal US Embassy observations placed it at "25–30 percent at most."[9]