Algeria’s opposition Islamist Justice and Development Front announced it will run in the legislative elections scheduled for June 12.

 

 

It is the third Islamist party to announce its participation in the polls, following the Movement of Peace for Society and the National Building Movement.

 

 

Head of the Front, Abdallah Djaballah announced that he carefully determined the characteristics of candidates to ensure they meet the people's demands.

 

 

He stressed that the best way to satisfy the aspirations of citizens is through joining the ruling authority in a legitimate and legal manner and obtaining the parliamentary majority, which is done through winning the votes of the electorate.

 

 

Speaking at a party meeting in the south, Djaballah noted that it is not acceptable to be reluctant and stand by idly in the political scene, indicating that the only way to communicate ideas and convictions is through elections of all kinds.

 

 

The Union for Progress and Change said in a statement that the upcoming elections are not a solution to the crisis, but rather they will complicate it.

 

 

The Union is headed by Zubaida Assoul, the defense lawyer of anti-government Hirak activists.

 

 

The statement said the elections are not a priority for the majority of citizens, but a maneuver by the regime to revive itself and preserve old practices and mechanisms, and even maintain the same figures who are responsible for the current crisis.

 

 

The Union added that the intransigence of the authority and resorting to force instead of listening to the people’s demands will further worsen the situation, in light of the political impasse, deteriorating economic and social situations, and the impact of the pandemic on the labor market and purchasing power.