12/15/2019 Algeria (International Christian Concern) – In the lowest voter turnout in Algerian history, a new president was elected on Thursday after two decades of one rule. The former president was ousted by protesters, who also strongly opposed the recent election, saying that the only candidates were children of the regime.

The authorities hope that President-elect Abdelmadjid Tebboune will end months of turmoil within the country and calm the voices of the demonstrators. Low voter turnout at 40%, however, hint that discontent with the political status quo remains.

Tebboune had previously served as Algeria’s Prime Minister in 2017. His resume mostly includes the position of Housing Minister. During his tenure, Algeria built the then tallest mosque in the world, a project which the government pushed as the country’s national symbol. Tebboune assumes the Presidency at a critical moment for religious freedom in Algeria. The government has pushed significant church closures throughout the country, effectively leaving hundreds of Christians ‘spiritual homeless’ without a place to worship.

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