Khalida Boufedeche Becomes Algeria's 1st Woman Parliament Speaker

Algeria has taken a historic step in its parliamentary history. For the first time since gaining independence 60 years ago, the lower house of Parliament, the People's National Assembly (APN), has elected its first female president, Khalida Boufedeche. 

By profession, Khalida was a doctor and by political occupation a member of the National Liberation Front (FLN), she was elected by the members of the newly elected 10th legislature in a secret ballot on July 28th for the constituency of Algiers.

Her election comes after a wide parliamentary consensus reached by various political forces in favor of the political agenda of Algeria's President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and represents a historical movement in the representation of women in the country's highest state institutions.

The official vote count showed Khalida had 302 votes, well ahead of her two opponents. The Movement of Society for Peace (MSP) went on to win 57 votes while the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) got seven. There were 25 spoiled ballots.

After the formal recognition of deputies' mandates, deputies convened for a parliamentary session to elect the new Speaker of the Chamber following the parliamentary procedure.

Key Highlights:

• Khalida Boufedeche becomes Algeria’s first female Parliament Speaker
• She won the Speaker’s election with 302 votes and broad political support
• She pledges to strengthen Parliament and promote democratic reforms

Prior to the vote, six parliamentary groups—including the National Liberation Front (FLN), the National Democratic Rally (RND), the El Moustakbal Front, the El Binaa Movement, the bloc of Independent Deputies, and the Sawt Echaab (People’s Voice) Party—jointly announced their endorsement of Khalida during a press conference held at Parliament.

They were subsequently joined by representatives of the El Karama Party, the New Algeria Front, and Tajamou Amal El Djazaïr (TAJ).

Supporting parties argued that Algeria’s current stage of institutional development requires experienced leadership capable of accompanying the country’s reform agenda while strengthening Parliament’s constitutional role.

Following the presentation of the three candidates, lawmakers temporarily suspended the session to prepare the voting process, including the installation of transparent ballot boxes and verification of voting procedures. Deputies then cast their ballots under the supervision of the provisional bureau and representatives of the parliamentary groups.

In her first address after assuming office, Khalida cast her election as both a national mandate and a constitutional responsibility, pledging to serve as “the representative of all deputies” without exception.

She called on lawmakers to work collectively in a spirit of dialogue, mutual respect and partnership, stressing that the supreme interests of the nation must prevail over all other considerations. She also commended the work of the provisional bureau and congratulated newly elected deputies on earning the confidence of the Algerian people.

Highlighting the historic nature of her election, Khalida said her appointment reflects the profound transformations taking place in Algeria and demonstrates the political will to promote the participation of competent Algerians at all levels of public life.

She described the confidence placed in her as a tribute to Algerian women, saying it forms part of a broader national project aimed at building a strong, modern and democratic Algeria founded on merit and competence.

The new Speaker affirmed her commitment to fostering a culture of consultation and institutional partnership, describing the People’s National Assembly as the country’s principal forum for democratic debate, legislation, oversight and evaluation of public policies.

She pledged to work toward strengthening parliamentary performance and improving the quality of legislation in line with Algeria’s economic, social and political development objectives.

On the institutional front, Khalida announced her intention to reinforce cooperation and coordination with the Council of the Nation and the government while fully respecting the constitutional separation of powers.

She also paid tribute to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for leading the reform process of the “New Algeria,” while expressing appreciation for the People’s National Army (ANP), the security services and national institutions.

Recalling the sacrifices of Algeria’s martyrs and veterans of the War of Independence, she further praised the efforts deployed by public institutions, the ANP, Civil Protection units, local authorities, volunteers and citizens in combating the devastating wildfires that recently affected several regions of the country. Speaking on behalf of Parliament, she extended her condolences to the families of the victims.