Constitutional Law and Democratic Governance in Algeria : Analyzing the Role of Constitutional Reforms in Enhancing Political Accountability

Abstract

Since independence, Algeria’s constitutional trajectory has reflected a continuous tension between the quest for democratic legitimacy and the persistence of executive dominance. This article examines how successive constitutional reforms—particularly those of 1989, 1996, 2016, and 2020—have shaped the dynamics of democratic governance and political accountability in Algeria. By integrating constitutional analysis with theories of democratic consolidation, the study explores the extent to which these reforms have strengthened the separation of powers, enhanced parliamentary oversight, and institutionalized mechanisms for transparency and citizen participation. The research adopts a comparative and analytical approach, drawing on both Algerian constitutional texts and international benchmarks of good governance. Findings suggest that while recent reforms signal an incremental opening toward greater accountability and participatory governance, structural constraints and political inertia continue to limit the full realization of constitutional democracy. The paper concludes by proposing legal and institutional measures to reinforce constitutional checks and balances and to align Algeria’s governance model with contemporary democratic standards.