Algerians have voted in a referendum that is meant to reinforce changes made possible after long-time President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced to resign last year.
The proposed changes include a two-term limit for both the president and MPs, the creation of a new anti-corruption body and a new constitution that would oblige public institutions to guarantee the freedom of the press.
The proposed creation of a corruption-busting unit is a direct response to the major concern that caused popular anger and sparked the massive protests which led former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign.
To win the referendum, either the “yes” or “no” camp needs at least 51% of the vote.
Opposition parties as well as the huge popular protest movement known as Hirak, in the “No” camp, had dismissed the referendum plans, stressing that it cannot transform Algeria’s political culture.
Many protesters who oppose the referendum, believe it cannot deliver “real change” and have been making calls on social media for “all the political elite” associated with the ousted president to be kicked out.
Results released today confirm that only 23.7% voted in support of the referendum, a historic low for a major poll in Algeria.
This result has dimmed government hopes of satisfying the demands of a long-running protest movement with limited reform.
