Khalida Boufedeche Makes History as Algeria's First Female Parliamentary Speaker

Algeria's parliament has elected Khalida Boufedeche as its first-ever woman speaker, making her the fourth-highest-ranking official in the country. The vote took place on Tuesday evening following parliamentary elections earlier this month.

Boufedeche, who represents the capital city of Algiers, is a trained allergist who previously served in local politics before entering parliament. She is a member of the central committee of the National Liberation Front (FLN), the historic party of Algerian independence that remains allied with the current government.

FLN's Victory in Record-Low Turnout Elections

The FLN emerged as the biggest winner in this month's parliamentary elections, securing 91 of the 407 seats in the legislature. The party's strong showing gave it the largest presence in parliament, positioning Boufedeche's election as speaker within the context of the FLN's renewed legislative dominance.

However, the elections were marked by the lowest voter turnout ever recorded in Algeria, with only 21 percent of eligible voters participating. The historically low figure raises questions about public engagement with the political process in the North African nation.

Declining Female Representation in Parliament

Boufedeche assumes the speakership of a legislative body where women are significantly underrepresented. Female lawmakers hold just 25 seats in the current parliament, accounting for only six percent of the total membership.

This represents a sharp decline from previous terms. The preceding parliament had 38 women members, while the legislature elected in 2017 had 118 women following elections that were conducted under a quota system. The current figures represent the lowest level of female representation in recent years.

A Milestone Amid Changing Political Dynamics

As the first woman to hold the position of parliamentary speaker in Algeria, Boufedeche's election marks a significant moment in the country's political history. Her new role places her fourth in Algeria's official hierarchy, making her one of the most prominent female political figures in the nation's history.

The election comes at a time of shifting political dynamics in Algeria, with the FLN maintaining its position as the largest party in parliament despite record-low voter turnout. As speaker, Boufedeche will preside over a legislature where her party holds the most seats but where women's representation has reached its lowest point in recent years.

What are your thoughts on this historic milestone for women in Algerian politics? Share this article and join the conversation about the future of political representation in North Africa.

Source: France 24 – English