A former Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune has won the controversial and boycotted presidential election.
The election was marred by protests as the country looks for a successor to long time leader, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who resigned in April.
Bouteflika had ruled Algeria for two decades in power and was forced out because of protests.
74-year-old Tebboune won the election with 58% of the votes in Thursday’s election, according to the head of the electoral commission.
Electoral officials say about nine million people voted in the election – a turnout of about 40%.
“The turnout is satisfying and it will give the new president enough backing to implement his reforms,” said Ahmed Mizab, a commentator on state television.
Many Algerians are still planning to stage more protests over the election as they claim the elected president and other contenders are linked to Bouteflika.
The protesters are demanding a total overhaul of the political system and those leading it.
The new President will have to work hard to tackle the country’s economic challenges triggered by low revenues from oil and gas exports.
Young people make up about 70% of the country’s population. Unemployment remains high among Algeria’s young people.
Source: Africafeeds.com
