FLN Secretary-General Abdelkrim Ben M'barek cautioned officials within the party's local structures, stating some have become like "pharaohs." This strong warning noted a perceived deviation from party principles among certain individuals. Ben M'barek called for the neutrality of organizational officials and coordinators during the local elections scheduled for November 28. He demanded the removal of any official involved in candidacy from their positions of responsibility to prevent conflicts of interest. This directive aims to ensure fair and transparent processes ahead of the upcoming polls, reinforcing the party's commitment to electoral integrity. Ben M'barek stated that the FLN wants the upcoming elections to be conducted with transparency and fairness, with the ultimate decision belonging to the people alone.
Enforcing Neutrality and Transparency
FLN Secretary-General Abdelkrim Ben M'barek emphasized the necessity for organizational officials at the wilaya and municipal levels to leave their positions if they are candidates. He stressed the importance of taking the required measures at both the wilaya and municipal levels to ensure this compliance. Ben M'barek stated that any official holding a coordination, municipal, or wilaya-level position is required to remain neutral and not favor any party during the electoral process. The party has received complaints concerning local behaviors, particularly during the past legislative elections, indicating a history of issues that these new measures aim to address. Ben M'barek also called for the avoidance of conflict of interest cases, explaining that no organizational official at the municipal or wilaya level should retain their position if a relative, such as a cousin, is a candidate in one of the regions or districts. This strict stance on neutrality and conflict of interest is designed to build public trust and ensure an equitable playing field for all candidates.
Candidate Selection Criteria
FLN Secretary-General Abdelkrim Ben M'barek outlined the party's criteria for candidate selection, stressing the importance of grassroots connections. Ben M'barek emphasized that the FLN is looking for candidates who have genuine social extension, popular reach, and acceptance among citizens. He added that prospective candidates must have a tangible presence in their local environment and possess the ability to build trust within their communities. This focus on local engagement aims to ensure candidates are deeply rooted and representative of the populations they intend to serve, fostering stronger ties between the party and the electorate.
Ben M'barek also advocated for a significant role for youth and women in the upcoming electoral lists. He called for giving youth and women a qualitative position in the electoral lists, emphasizing that their inclusion should be based on competence and their ability to bear responsibility, rather than merely fulfilling legal requirements or achieving a numerical balance. The Secretary-General's directive shows a push for merit-based selection, aiming to empower capable individuals regardless of age or gender within the party's electoral framework and ensure that new voices contribute meaningfully to the political landscape.
Election Integrity Goals
FLN Secretary-General Abdelkrim Ben M'barek affirmed the party's commitment to ensuring the upcoming local elections are conducted with the highest standards of integrity. He stated that the Front de Libération Nationale (FLN) aims for a transparent and fair electoral process. Ben M'barek emphasized that the ultimate decision in these elections should rest solely with the people. The Secretary-General's remarks show the party's objective to prevent any undue influence or manipulation, ensuring that the electoral outcomes genuinely reflect the will of the electorate. This directive forms a core part of the FLN's strategy to bolster public trust in the democratic process and in its own internal mechanisms, promising a renewed focus on accountability and fairness.
