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| Algerian constitutional referendum | |
|---|---|
| Name | Algerian constitutional referendum |
| Country | Algeria |
| Type | Referendum |
| Date | 1 November 2020 |
| Yes vote | 17774620 |
| No vote | 1226644 |
| Invalid | 315212 |
| Electorate | 23640201 |
| Turnout | 23.7% |
Algerian constitutional referendum was a nationwide popular vote held in Algeria on 1 November 2020 to approve a package of amendments to the 1996 Constitution of Algeria. The referendum occurred amid the mass protest movement known as the Hirak (protests), and followed political shifts including the resignation of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the election of Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The proposed revisions touched on judicial reform, presidential powers, and civil rights and were presented by the executive as responses to demands from protesters and recommendations by international bodies such as the United Nations.
The referendum was set against the backdrop of the 2019-2020 Hirak (protests), a nationwide series of demonstrations that began in February 2019 demanding political renewal and the end of the era associated with President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. Bouteflika resigned in April 2019, leading to an interim period overseen by Abdelkader Bensalah as President of Algeria (2019) and a subsequent presidential election won by Abdelmadjid Tebboune in December 2019. Tebboune proposed constitutional amendments framed as concessions to protesters and to recommendations from the Algerian Constitutional Council, the National People's Assembly (Algeria), and advisory bodies including the High Islamic Council. Political groups involved included the ruling elite linked to the National Liberation Front (Algeria), opposition entities such as Rachid Nekkaz-aligned movements, and youth-led collectives inspired by the Hirak.
The draft amendments proposed to alter the 1996 constitution across multiple articles. Key provisions included the recognition of the Arabic language and the status of Tamazight language as an official language, limitations on presidential powers such as restrictions on the number of terms and the introduction of safeguards linked to impeachment procedures involving the People's National Assembly (Algeria) and the Council of the Nation. Reforms also aimed to strengthen the independence of the Constitutional Council (Algeria), introduce a new role for a Supreme Judicial Council to oversee magistrates, and enhance anti-corruption measures referencing entities like the Court of Auditors (Algeria). The amendments included social and economic clauses concerning rights related to housing and social protection, and provisions addressing the separation of certain military functions, with mentions of the People's National Army (Algeria). Proposals also touched on decentralization and local governance involving the Wilaya administrations and municipal councils.
The campaign period featured competing positions from a spectrum of actors. The presidency and parties such as the National Liberation Front (Algeria) and National Rally for Democracy (Algeria) endorsed the amendments as a step toward political renewal, while prominent Hirak organizers and activists associated with figures like Amar Saidani and grassroots committees called for a boycott, viewing the process as insufficient and orchestrated by the entrenched political class. Civil society organizations including branches of the Algerian Bar Association and associations for human rights debated aspects of judicial independence and civil liberties. International stakeholders such as the European Union and the African Union issued statements urging transparent conduct, while foreign governments including France and United States monitored developments. Media outlets including El Watan, Ech-Chaab, and TV Algerie provided coverage that reflected differing editorial lines.
The referendum proceeded under public health constraints related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Algeria, which organizers cited when scheduling and organizing polling logistics. The National Independent Authority for Elections (ANIE), created after the 2019 protests, oversaw voter registration and polling operations, coordinating with the Ministry of Interior and Local Authorities (Algeria) and local electoral commissions across the 58 Wilayas of Algeria. Observers from domestic groups and selected international delegations were present, though many Hirak-aligned activists and some foreign NGOs criticized observer access and transparency. Voting procedures followed the constitutional referendum rules established in the 1996 constitution, with provisions for absentee voting and measures to prevent fraud; law enforcement agencies including the Gendarmerie Nationale (Algeria) and National People's Army (Algeria) provided security at polling sites.
Authorities announced that the "Yes" vote secured approval with official figures reporting approximately 66.8% in favor and turnout of about 23.7% of registered voters. The "No" vote and blank or invalid ballots accounted for the remainder. Opposition groups and independent analysts disputed the turnout and vote distribution, citing reports of low participation in urban centers such as Algiers, Oran, and Constantine, and pointing to the boycott called by Hirak activists.
Domestic reactions were polarized: supporters hailed the referendum as a constitutional reset and a response to demands of renewal, with endorsements from parties like the Rassemblement National Démocratique leadership and some labor unions. Hirak organizers and human rights groups criticized the process as insufficient for substantive change, continuing calls for deeper political reform and accountability tied to figures from the Bouteflika era. Internationally, the United Nations and several foreign ministries welcomed the peaceful conduct while urging inclusive dialogue; regional bodies such as the Arab League and the African Union issued measured statements acknowledging the vote. Observers from European parliaments and NGOs offered mixed assessments on transparency and legitimacy.
Following promulgation, the amended constitution introduced legal changes affecting institutions such as the Constitutional Council (Algeria) and the proposed Supreme Judicial Council, prompting legislative and regulatory adjustments by the People's National Assembly (Algeria) and the Council of the Nation. The outcome did not end Hirak mobilization entirely, and subsequent political negotiations involved alliances among parties like the National Liberation Front (Algeria), opposition figures, and civil society groups. Judicial and anti-corruption efforts proceeded unevenly, with high-profile cases and prosecutions involving business figures and officials from the Bouteflika era continuing to shape Algeria's transition. The referendum remained a focal point in debates over constitutional legitimacy, institutional reform, and the trajectory of Algeria's post-Hirak political order.
Category:2020 referendums Category:Politics of Algeria Category:Constitutional amendments