Algerian citizens in support of the government have taken to the streets in demonstrations in several cities across the North African country to show their support for next month’s elections.
The Dec. 12 poll has been decried by members of a long-running nationwide protest movement who’ve been protesting each Friday since mid-February against the status quo and forced president Abdelaziz Bouteflika out of power in April.
Saturday’s protests, with some several thousand participants, are the largest pro-government demonstrations of their kind seen in Algeria. They were organized by the General Union of Algerian Workers, or UGTA.
An Algerian woman holds a banner reading "No to foreign interference" during a march against EU interference into Algeria's policy, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 in Algiers after the European Parliament on Thursday condemned the grim reality of human rights in Algeria. The march was a show of support for the government and Algeria's army chief Gen.Ahmed Gaid Salah. (AP PhotoToufik Doudou)
They are, however, much smaller than the Friday protests that reject the elections over fears they will be rigged in favor of the old regime.
An Algerian man shows his voting card during a march against EU interference into Algeria's policy, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 in Algiers after the European Parliament on Thursday condemned the grim reality of human rights in Algeria. The march was a show of support for the government and Algeria's army chief Gen.Ahmed Gaid Salah. (AP PhotoToufik Doudou)