Algeria Makes History as Parliament Elects First Female Speaker

Algeria has reached a historic milestone in its political journey after electing Khalida Boufedeche as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the country's National People's Assembly, making her the fourth-highest-ranking official in the North African nation.Boufedeche, a medical doctor specialising in allergology and a Member of Parliament representing the capital, Algiers, was elected by lawmakers on Tuesday following parliamentary elections earlier this month.

She is a senior member of the National Liberation Front (FLN), the historic political party that led Algeria's struggle for independence and remains a key ally of the current government. The FLN emerged as the largest party in the recent elections, securing 91 of the National People's Assembly's 407 seats.

Her election marks a watershed moment for Algeria, where no woman had previously occupied the influential parliamentary post since the country's independence in 1962. As Speaker, Boufedeche will preside over legislative debates, oversee parliamentary business and play a pivotal role in shaping Algeria's law-making agenda.

The appointment also carries symbolic significance for Africa, where women remain underrepresented in political leadership despite growing efforts to promote gender equality. While several African countries including South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia and Rwanda have had women serve as parliamentary speakers or heads of legislative chambers, Algeria's decision represents a major breakthrough for North Africa, a region where women have historically faced greater barriers to attaining top political offices.

Boufedeche's election comes at a time when women's representation in Algeria's parliament has declined sharply. Women currently occupy just 25 of the 407 seats, representing about 6% of the legislature. This is a significant drop from the 38 women elected in the previous parliament and the 118 women who entered parliament following the 2017 elections, which were conducted under a gender quota system.

The parliamentary elections that ushered in the new legislature were, however, marked by the lowest voter turnout in Algeria's history, with participation standing at just 21%, highlighting continuing concerns over public engagement in the country's political process.

Despite these challenges, Boufedeche's elevation is expected to inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in politics and public service. Her appointment reinforces the growing recognition across Africa that inclusive governance and greater female participation in decision-making are essential for strengthening democratic institutions and advancing sustainable development.