With the presidential elections just days away, Algeria’s embattled government is scrambling to imbue the Dec. 12 poll with a legitimacy that many in the streets across Algeria unequivocally reject.

In the last few days, prominent journalist Mahrez Rabia was dismissed from the national TV station for what many regard as his public support for Algeria’s protest movement, or hirak, which opposes the forthcoming elections. The pro-government General Union of Algerian Workers marched Nov. 30 in support of the December elections, while a televised debate between the candidates, intended to underscore the vote’s legitimacy, has been criticized for a lack of transparency by one of the organizations that was initially invited to help produce it. 

Across Algeria’s television channels and print media, a broad campaign is underway to suggest widespread support for the December poll. Nevertheless, on Friday thousands of Algerians took to the streets, as they have for the previous 42 Fridays, to voice their unequivocal opposition to the vote. 

“According to the national television network, everyone is supporting these elections, “ Tin Hinane El Kadi, a researcher at Chatham House, explained from the midst of Friday’s protest in Algiers. “They’ve co-opted much of the country’s print media, too, though that does remain freer. It’s insulting. People have social media. They know what’s going on and they know what the issues are,” she said.