How did Algeria’s government change from one-party rule to a multiparty system?

Algeria’s transition from a one-party state to a multiparty system was driven by a combination of economic decline, social unrest, and deliberate political liberalization under President Chadli Bendjedid.1

Following the death of Houari Boumedienne in 1978, Bendjedid initially oversaw a period of economic decentralization and increased personal freedoms. However, by the mid-1980s, the country faced severe challenges, including a sharp drop in petroleum prices, rising unemployment, food shortages, and widespread public resentment toward government corruption. These issues culminated in serious riots in late 1988 in major cities such as Algiers, Annaba, and Oran.1

Taking advantage of this widespread discontent, Bendjedid moved to dismantle the political monopoly held by the National Liberation Front (FLN), which had been the only legal party since 1962. In February 1989, a new constitution was approved that officially eliminated the one-party system, removed references to socialist ideology, and initiated political plurality. This change allowed for the emergence of numerous new political parties, most notably the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS).21