DOMESTIC POLITICS: As expected, the incumbent, Mr Bouteflika, secured a third term in Algeria's presidential election on April 9th, with minimal competition. Despite pre-election assurances of cabinet changes none were made immediately following the election. However, rumours have begun to emerge in the media about a major reorganisation of ministers and ministries, and changes can be expected in the early part of the forecast period. The Economist Intelligence Unit expects some political turmoil in 2010-11. Mr Bouteflika's continued efforts to centralise power in his hands will deepen resentment among liberals and Islamists over their exclusion from the political process. The recent break-up of the Mouvement de la societe pour la paix is a symptom of this dissatisfaction. High unemployment and a lack of economic dynamism on behalf of the Algerian authorities could lead to disaffection and sporadic outbursts of social unrest. Leaders within the ruling three-party coalition, the presidential alliance, have been forced to refute speculation that the parties are no longer unified behind the president. This has been fuelled by the likely establishment of a new party by Said Bouteflika, the president's brother, and the rumoured removal of ministers affiliated to the presidential alliance from the cabinet.

Source: Algeria: Country outlook

Source: Country Forecast Algeria May 2009

Source: EIU Country Data