Tebboune, who became president following Abdelaziz Bouteflika's resignation after two decades of leadership in 2019 due to mass protests, is now 78 years old and is widely regarded as the favourite in this election.

Tebboune served as Algeria's prime minister in 2017 and was dismissed after three months, reportedly due to his unpopular reforms among elites. Following his time in office, he left the FLN and campaigned for the presidency as an independent.

Abdelaali Hassani Cherif is a centrist Islamist politician who has been active in politics since 2002, serving in Algeria's regional and national assemblies. He became president of the MSP in August 2023, focusing on reform and change.

Youcef Aouchiche has been active in politics from a young age. He later became a journalist and served as a parliamentary attaché before winning a local election in 2017.

Twenty-four million voters are preparing to head to the polls on Saturday to elect a new president. Turnout was low in the previous election, but it is hoped to be higher this year as all three candidates are urging the public to vote, although overall enthusiasm remains subdued. (ILKHA)