Algiers – A historical seminar titled “Building State Institutions in Independent Algeria: The National Council as a Model” was held today in Algiers to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the election of Algeria’s first National Council.
Hosted by the El Moujahid newspaper forum in coordination with the “Machaâl Al-Chahid” Association, the seminar delved into the political context surrounding the election of the first National Council after independence. The discussions highlighted the remarkable leadership of the late revolutionary figure, El-Hadj Benalla, his political and military expertise, and his role in uniting the nation’s key political forces.
Mujahid and researcher Issa Qasmi emphasized that El-Hadj Benalla was one of the “prominent national figures known for both his political wisdom and military bravery,” noting that he was among those who “devoted themselves to Algeria, both before and after independence.”
Qasmi recounted how El-Hadj Benalla was an active member of the national movement, having campaigned within the Algerian People’s Party and served as a member of the secret organization before joining the armed struggle in the historic Fifth Wilaya following the outbreak of the Algerian Revolution.
He also traced the key milestones of Benalla’s life and his struggle, culminating in his role after independence, where he took over as acting president of the Constituent Assembly following the resignation of Ferhat Abbas in 1963, before being officially elected as president of the National Council in 1964.
Researcher Amer Rekhila, for his part, focused on the circumstances surrounding the formation of the first elected National Council after independence, which followed the adoption of the 1963 Constitution. He highlighted the leaders’ dedication at that time to “building a state based on law and democracy that reflects the sovereignty of the people.”
On this occasion, a representative from the People’s National Assembly, MP Hichem Safar, stressed that commemorating this anniversary is an “opportunity to recall our glorious history and pass it on to future generations, ensuring their connection to national memory and reinforcing their enduring pride in their homeland.”
The seminar concluded with a tribute to the family of the late revolutionary, El-Hadj Benalla, who passed away in 2009.
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Author name: nor-eleslam
Building state institutions in Algeria
