The Bureau of the Council of the Nation, chaired by Mr. Azouz Nasri, President of the Council of the Nation, issued a statement on Sunday, September 13, 2026, ahead of the International Day of Democracy, observed annually on September 15. The statement described the occasion as an international opportunity to reaffirm the importance of democracy as a civilisational choice founded on popular sovereignty, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the consolidation of the rule of law and institutions, and broader public participation in shaping the present and future of nations.

On the eve of the 19th anniversary of the International Day of Democracy, the Bureau of the Council of the Nation stressed that democracy represents an integrated system that extends beyond electoral dates and political procedures to become a daily practice and a collective responsibility. Such a system, it said, should be based on citizens’ involvement in public affairs and their ability to contribute to decision-making, thereby strengthening institutions and safeguarding rights and freedoms.

Democracy as a Daily Practice and Collective Responsibility

The statement stressed that the International Day of Democracy should not be viewed merely as an occasion linked to elections or political traditions. Rather, it represents an opportunity to reaffirm that democratic practice requires the continued participation of citizens in public life, alongside respect for the law, the promotion of freedoms and the guarantee of equal opportunities.

The Bureau of the Council of the Nation also underlined that building a society founded on genuine democratic principles is closely linked to achieving social justice and sustainable development, considering both essential elements in creating conditions that enable citizens to participate effectively in building society and the state.

In this context, the Bureau described democracy as a collective responsibility requiring the combined efforts of institutions and citizens, the promotion of a culture of dialogue and consultation, and the enhancement of public participation in shaping and monitoring the implementation of public policies.

Algeria and the Consolidation of the State of Institutions

At the national level, the Bureau of the Council of the Nation reaffirmed that “Algeria of victories,” under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, continues its path towards consolidating the state of institutions and developing democratic practice.

The statement pointed to the modernisation of political and institutional governance, the promotion of human rights, the strengthening of participatory democracy and the expansion of avenues for dialogue and consultation, allowing citizens to play a greater role in public life.

The Bureau linked these efforts to placing public service, improved living conditions and citizens’ welfare at the forefront of public policy priorities and implementation. It stressed that institutions cannot be separated from citizens’ needs and aspirations, and that the success of democratic practice is closely tied to its ability to respond to social and development-related challenges.

State Strength and the Protection of Rights and Freedoms

The statement also stressed that Algeria proceeds from the conviction that a strong state is not incompatible with the protection of rights and freedoms. Building a balanced democratic society, it argued, requires both the authority of the law and the consolidation of a culture of citizenship and respect for human dignity.

The Bureau of the Council of the Nation noted that building such a society also requires national solidarity and creating opportunities for all segments of society to contribute to Algeria’s development and the construction of what it described as the “new victorious Algeria.”

According to the statement, this approach reflects a vision of democratic practice based on balancing strong institutions with respect for rights and freedoms, while placing citizens at the centre of public attention and linking development to participation, responsibility, justice and equal opportunities.

Criticism of Double Standards in Human Rights Issues

At the international level, the Bureau of the Council of the Nation expressed Algeria’s concern over what it described as the continued adoption by some major powers of selective approaches and double standards in dealing with human rights issues.

The statement argued that democratic and freedom-related principles are invoked on different occasions, while, in other cases, serious violations affecting entire peoples are overlooked when the positions of those powers conflict with their interests and geopolitical calculations.

The Bureau maintained that issues of democracy and human rights should be addressed on the basis of consistent principles that do not change according to interests or shifts in the balance of power, stressing that the rights of peoples and fundamental freedoms should not be subject to selectivity or political and geopolitical considerations.

Council of the Nation Reaffirms Solidarity with the Palestinian People

In this context, the Bureau of the Council of the Nation reaffirmed its steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which, according to the statement, continues to face a humanitarian tragedy amid ongoing violence, killings, displacement and the deprivation of civilians of their most basic rights.

The Bureau reaffirmed Algeria’s support for the Palestinian people’s right to establish an independent and fully sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The statement placed Algeria’s position on the Palestinian cause within a broader framework centred on respect for the rights of peoples and the equal application of international law. It also rejected selective approaches to international issues and stressed the need to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their legitimate rights.

Support for the Sahrawi People’s Right to Self-Determination

Regarding the Western Sahara issue, the Bureau of the Council of the Nation reiterated Algeria’s longstanding and principled position in support of the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination, in accordance with international legitimacy and United Nations resolutions.

The statement rejected the idea that decolonisation issues should remain hostage to deadlock or selective application of international law and relevant international legitimacy resolutions. It stressed that such issues should be addressed on the basis of the relevant international legal frameworks, away from selectivity and double standards.

This position forms part of the broader vision expressed in the statement regarding the need to respect the rights of peoples and to link democracy and international justice to the principles of international law and United Nations resolutions.

Democracy Cannot Be Separated from Justice and Peace

The Bureau of the Council of the Nation stressed that commemorating the International Day of Democracy provides an opportunity to reaffirm that building a more just and stable world cannot be achieved through selective democracy or human rights principles applied according to power dynamics and double standards.

The statement emphasised that the path towards a more stable world requires respect for international law, equality among peoples and rejection of double standards, alongside the promotion of a culture of dialogue, peace and coexistence.

The Bureau also placed the individual at the centre of public policy, describing people as both the focus and ultimate objective of development policies. Protecting their rights, preserving their dignity and improving their living conditions were therefore presented as fundamental elements of any political, social or development project.

Supporting Democratic Practice and Strengthening the Institutions of the Republic

At the conclusion of the statement, the Bureau of the Council of the Nation, chaired by Azouz Nasri, reaffirmed its support for all national efforts aimed at deepening democratic practice, strengthening the institutions of the Republic and consolidating the rule-of-law state.

The Bureau stressed that Algeria, under the leadership of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, would continue along the path of building a strong state through its institutions, fair in its choices, firm in its principles and proud of its sovereignty, while maintaining its connection to its national history and the enduring principles of the Glorious November 1, 1954 Revolution.

The statement also reaffirmed Algeria’s commitment to the rights and freedoms of its people, its continued defence of causes it considers just, and its contribution to promoting peace, security, stability and cooperation among peoples and states.

November Principles and Algeria’s Path Towards the Future

The Bureau of the Council of the Nation concluded its statement by stressing that these orientations reflect a commitment to honouring the sacrifices of previous generations, safeguarding the achievements of the national state and looking towards a future worthy of Algeria and its people.

The commemoration of the International Day of Democracy, according to the statement, carries both a national and international dimension. Domestically, it reaffirms Algeria’s commitment to strengthening the state of institutions, the rule of law and freedoms. Internationally, it reflects the country’s continued emphasis on respecting international law, the rights of peoples and rejecting double standards in addressing global issues.

The statement also reflects the Council of the Nation’s commitment to making dialogue, peace, coexistence, solidarity and respect for human dignity fundamental principles in addressing national and international challenges, while Algeria continues to defend what it considers just causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause and the Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination.

In this regard, the Bureau of the Council of the Nation presents the commemoration of the International Day of Democracy as an opportunity to emphasise that democracy, as articulated in the statement, is not merely an electoral mechanism or political procedure. Rather, it is an integrated process based on popular sovereignty, respect for rights and freedoms, the rule of law, participation in public life, social justice and sustainable development, alongside respect for the rights of peoples within the international system.