The Algerian Prime Minister’s office has granted automatic paid leave to all public sector employees running as candidates in upcoming elections. This directive applies to individuals participating in the municipal and provincial council elections to ensure they can manage their campaigns while remaining employed by the state. Officials confirmed that the leave period is designed to support civil servants who seek public office at the local and regional levels. The municipal and provincial elections are scheduled for 28 November 2026. Eligible candidates will receive full compensation throughout their designated leave period leading up to the vote. This policy aims to standardize the process for public employees across Algeria who are registered to appear on the ballot.
Official Directive and Timeline
The election campaign period officially began on 5 November 2026. This phase allows candidates to conduct public outreach activities leading up to the scheduled vote.
Administrative procedures for the leave followed a formal request submitted by the National Independent Authority for Elections to the office of the Prime Minister on 28 October 2026, filed under reference number 503. Responding to this proposal, the Prime Minister’s office issued a formal directive concerning the paid leave policy to government members and governors on 31 October 2026. The instruction outlines the implementation of leave for public sector employees participating in the electoral process. These measures align with the timeline established for the upcoming municipal and provincial contests to ensure administrative consistency for all registered civil servant candidates.
Legal Framework for Candidates
Article 73 of Ordinance No. 21-101 serves as the foundational legal basis for this policy. Published on 10 March 2021, this regulation forms part of the organic law on the electoral system in Algeria. The provision establishes the rights and obligations for public sector employees who choose to participate in electoral contests. By invoking this specific ordinance, the government provides the regulatory mechanism that authorizes the granting of paid leave for civil servants during the campaign period. This legal framework ensures that the administrative process remains consistent with the broader electoral standards established in 2021. Government members and governors operate under these defined legal parameters when processing requests from registered candidates. The application of Article 73 guarantees that the leave period remains compliant with national legislation throughout the 2026 municipal and provincial elections.
Campaign Restrictions and Conduct
Candidates are prohibited from using state resources, local government facilities, or public institutions for their election campaigns. The government directive mandates that all individuals seeking office must maintain a clear separation between their professional duties and their electoral activities.
Candidates are prohibited from engaging in political activities within their workplaces during the election period. This restriction applies to all public sector employees currently running as candidates in the municipal and provincial elections. By enforcing these rules, the state aims to ensure that public institutions remain neutral throughout the campaign cycle. These measures prevent the use of government assets for personal political gain and protect the administrative integrity of the workplace. All civil servant candidates are expected to adhere to these conduct standards from the start of the campaign on 5 November 2026 until the conclusion of the voting process. Failure to comply with these regulations regarding the use of public resources and workplace activity may result in administrative consequences for the involved candidates.
