Abdelmadjid Tebboune vs Canan Kaftancioglu

Tebboune was appointed Prime Minister by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in May 2017. He served for three months before being dismissed, a period marked by political instability and economic challenges.

Tebboune won the December 2019 presidential election with 58% of the vote, following the resignation of Bouteflika amid mass protests. The election was boycotted by the Hirak movement, leading to low turnout and questions about legitimacy.

Tebboune oversaw a constitutional referendum in November 2020, which introduced limits on presidential terms and strengthened parliamentary powers. The reform was seen as a response to Hirak demands, but critics argued it did not go far enough.

Tebboune's government implemented lockdowns and a health state of emergency to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. He himself contracted the virus in October 2020 and was hospitalized in Germany, raising concerns about leadership continuity.

Tebboune severed diplomatic relations with Morocco in August 2021, citing hostile acts and the normalization of ties between Morocco and Israel. The move deepened the Western Sahara conflict and strained regional alliances.

Kaftancioglu was elected as the Istanbul provincial chair of the Republican People's Party (CHP) on January 28, 2018. She became a prominent opposition figure, leading the party's campaign in Istanbul, a key political battleground.

Kaftancioglu was arrested on September 4, 2019, on charges of spreading terrorist propaganda and insulting the president, related to her social media posts. Her arrest was widely seen as politically motivated, drawing domestic and international criticism.

Kaftancioglu was sentenced to 9 years and 8 months in prison on March 9, 2021, for allegedly attempting to overthrow the government through the Gezi Park protests. The sentence was condemned by human rights organizations and foreign governments.

Kaftancioglu was released from prison on April 14, 2023, pending appeal, after serving over three years. Her release came ahead of the 2023 elections, but she remained under judicial restrictions, unable to engage in political activities.