Rival parties affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood are aiming for victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections in Algeria.
Head of the National Construction Movement (BINA) Abdelkader Bengrina, a former minister, declared that the movement is seeking to form a coalition government that includes all “honest” forces to meet the aspirations of the people.
Speaking at an electoral rally in Algiers, Bengrina alleged that surveys inside his movement revealed that it will sweep the elections, which are set for June 12.
He added, however, that BINA does not aspire to head the government, “but wanted a cabinet that will be led by a figure who believes in a constitutional solution to our crisis, under the watchful eye of the president.”
Several supporters of political Islam were present at the rally.
Bengrina’s remarks reveal that he is seeking a government team that reflects various political forces, without exception, that would form a political cabinet that would be in power for no less than five years.
The government would adopt a national salvation program that would help overcome the country’s current crisis.
He added that BINA will reserve for itself an “important role” in forming the government.
Secretary General of the movement ,Ahmed al-Dan confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat Bengrina’s claim that BINA will sweep the polls.
He cited a survey carried out by the movement and official sources that had also put it in the lead.
“We may not reap the majority, but will be the top victors,” he stated.
The new cabinet will be open to all sides, including parties that will boycott the elections on condition that they agree to joining the government coalition, he added.
On Thursday, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune remarked that political Islam did not act as an obstacle in the development of countries such as Tunisia, Turkey and Egypt.
“Such a form of political Islam does not bother me because it does not rise above the laws of the republic that will be implemented in full,” he added.
Bengrina’s remarks contrasted with his rival, head of the Movement of Society for Peace Abderrazak Makri, who declared that he was aspiring to head the new government because his party will sweep the elections.
Al-Dan dismissed his statement. “The Movement of Society for Peace quit the government in 2012 (in wake of the Arab Spring revolts). They sensed that they have made a mistake and now want to be part of the government.”
Bengrina, al-Dan and other BINA leaderships were influential members of the Movement of Society for Peace before quitting it a few years ago due to major disputes with its former head, Abu Jarra Soltani.
Prominent member of the Movement of Society for Peace, Nasser Hamdadouche told Asharq Al-Awsat that every party aspires to win any elections they run in.
Given the current factors, no party is set to reap an absolute majority in parliament, but “we are certain that we will emerge victorious and form a strong parliamentary bloc,” he stressed.
He said the movement is seeking to lead a government of national consensus with strong coordination and cooperation with Tebboune.
