Louisa Hanoune of the Algerian Workers Party has decided to withdraw from the presidential race, citing what she described as “unfair conditions.” This decision was made public just two days after President Abdelmajid Tebboune announced his intention to run for re-election.

In a statement posted on Facebook last Saturday, Hanoune expressed her concerns that the legal framework had been manipulated to prevent opponents of Tebboune from participating in the election.

Hanoune, a prominent figure in the Algerian opposition, has previously run for president in 2004, 2009, and 2014. Despite facing challenges, including being arrested during the mass protests against Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 2019, Hanoune was acquitted of all charges in January 2021. President Tebboune, who has been in power since 2019, is considered the frontrunner in the upcoming election scheduled for September 7.

The 78-year-old leader won the previous election with 58% of the vote, amidst a low turnout. Tebboune, who previously served as prime minister under Bouteflika, has faced criticism for his handling of the Hirak movement, which has been organizing anti-government demonstrations.