Djelloul Chetouane to El Khabar: decline of independent lists in 2026 reflects deep political shifts

Hisn Al-Mateen Bloc president Djelloul Chetouane, in a press interview: "The decline of independent lists cannot be read in numbers alone; it reflects deep changes in Algeria's political and organisational landscape."

2021 elections:

• 1,208 independent lists nationwide
• more than 7.6 million signature forms
• 84 parliamentary seats

2026 elections:

• only 188 files nationwide
• around 1.89 million forms
• a drop of more than 84% in the number of independent lists

The Hisn Al-Mateen Bloc believes that the current period is seeing a large share of skilled professionals and actors move to work from within parties and political organisations, which have become more open to civil society and new energies.

The Bloc stresses that its choice not to run independent lists in the current elections, except in the wilaya of Ain Defla, reflects a realistic reading of the political landscape, while it continues its field work, community outreach and service to citizens.

Algeria today needs a responsible discourse that strengthens trust and national unity and opens the way for skilled professionals and young people to participate positively.