This is a statement from the Confederation of Productive Forces regarding legal violations during the 2024 presidential elections in Algeria.
During the election campaign and the race for the presidency, we observed numerous violations of national laws enacted by the authorities themselves, prohibiting union leaders from participating in election campaigns and supporting political figures.
We have evidence, including a collection of photos, inauguration and commissioning minutes, and videos, confirming the participation of numerous union leaders affiliated with the General Union of Algerian Workers, and unions that are members of the so-called Confederation of Independent Trade Unions (under formation), in the election campaign and their support for independent candidate Abdelmadjid Tebboune for a second term.
However, we have not observed any legal measures taken against these unions, which, according to Articles 13, 14 and 15 of Law 23-02 on the methods of exercising the new right to unionize, amount to the dissolution of the union organization.
As for the Confederation of Productive Forces Trade Unions, its member unions, and its supporters, we find ourselves, under this law, in the category of forced boycotters, barred from participating in and influencing the most important political event that could change the political and social situation and achieve our demands to build a state of law and justice.
We are well aware that this authority will continue its siege of us for another five years, using the same policies it has used against us over the past five years. However, we are prepared, both domestically and internationally, to struggle and fight for change and to achieve the good governance that every honest Algerian aspires to.
We condemn in the strongest terms the double standards in the application of a law that is not in accordance with international law.
We affirm that we have notified all UN bodies responsible for monitoring the implementation of international agreements of this duality in implementation and its repercussions for trade union organizations, which maintain constant contact with the United Nations and other international institutions. We also urge the next president of Algeria to consider the case of the unions complaining before the International Labour Organization and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and to open a dialogue with the Confederation of Trade Unions of Productive Forces to amend these laws and align them with the requirements of the Algerian state's obligations.
Youth...demanding
Algeria on: 09/07/2024
Download a copy of the statement in French
Download a copy of the statement in English
📬 Did you like this article? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news and important information directly to your inbox.