Algiers, December 12, 2025 – Members of Parliament who have switched political allegiances since the 2021 legislative elections may face the loss of their seats, according to an internal directive issued by the Speaker of the People’s National Assembly, Ibrahim Boughali.
The directive, addressed to the heads of parliamentary groups, concerns deputies who have voluntarily changed their party affiliation, deviating from the basis on which they were elected. This action potentially violates Article 120 of the Algerian Constitution, according to information obtained by DZWatch.
Article 120 stipulates that any member of the People’s National Assembly or the Council of the Nation, belonging to a political party, who voluntarily changes the affiliation under which they were elected, will automatically forfeit their electoral mandate.
Speaker Boughali urged deputies to adhere to the political affiliation under which they were elected, emphasizing the importance of respecting the ethics of political work and avoiding potential constitutional repercussions. The directive serves as a clear warning to MPs contemplating or who have already undertaken such a move.
The final results of the 2021 legislative elections, as announced by the Constitutional Court, form the basis of this directive. The Speaker’s office has not yet released an official statement regarding the number of MPs potentially affected by this directive.
This development comes at a crucial time in Algerian politics, as the nation continues to navigate various social and economic challenges. The stability and integrity of the parliament are paramount to effectively addressing these issues, and the enforcement of constitutional principles is seen as a key element in maintaining that stability.
