These are the very first legislative elections since the Algerian uprising in Hirak in February 2019. Around the polling stations, the atmosphere is electric.

And few Algerians travel to vote.

In the streets of Algiers, the capital, passers-by walk past displays without even glancing.

The climate is heavy in the polling stations.

Since Saturday morning, Algerians have been called to go to the polls for the legislative elections.

The first since the Hirak protest movement started on February 16, 2019. These elections are supposed to bring new legitimacy to the regime, but they are rejected by the movement and by part of the opposition, against a background of generalized repression.

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"I do not think of going to vote today. Besides, I do not feel concerned by that", launches a passer-by in the streets of Algiers.

Midday attendance figures are not yet known.

But according to a polling station president, they would be "well below the usual figures".

"I am not someone politicized. Me, personally, that does not interest me", continues the same passer-by.

Like her, most Algerians do not rush to the polls.

They prefer to go shopping in the market right next to the polling stations, without even looking at the election posters.

"I don't think it's going to be used to change anything"

"I am not going to vote because, as Coluche said, if the vote was used for something, it would be prohibited a long time ago", entrusts, resigned, an Algerian.

For him, there are too many candidates and that is "absurd" since "nobody has a program".

During the last legislative elections, four years ago, the participation rate was 35%.

But this time around, it could be much lower.

The disappointment of the takeover of the Hirak by power has discouraged many Algerians from moving.

"I don't think it's going to be used to change anything," said the same passer-by.

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Friday evening, three figures of the movement arrested Thursday on the eve of the legislative elections were released after more than 24 hours of detention.

But, at least 222 people are still imprisoned for acts related to Hirak and / or individual freedoms in Algeria, according to the National Committee for the release of detainees.

More than 24 million voters who are invited to vote on Saturday.

The first results should start to fall from Sunday.