Algeria’s Independent National Electoral Authority (ANIE) has firmly rejected requests from several political parties seeking an extension of the first phase of preparations for the upcoming legislative elections, after parties cited difficulties in collecting signatures and obtaining key documents required for diaspora candidates.
In an exclusive statement to dzwatch, ANIE confirmed that the deadline for submitting collective candidacy declaration files is set for Monday, May 18, 2026, at midnight local time, and will not be extended.
The authority stressed that decisions regarding legal deadlines fall outside its jurisdiction, noting that any such matter must be referred to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who holds the constitutional authority to rule on extensions.
Party sources told dzwatch that despite the authority’s firm stance, the parties pushing for an extension remain hopeful that the presidency will intervene to allow more time for proper electoral preparation.
