Every time parliamentary candidate Meriem Chehih appears on the campaign trail, she makes a point of wearing the necktie associated with airline crews - an unusual touch that has set her campaign apart as she runs on the National Democratic Rally (RND) list in Algiers ahead of the controversial elections scheduled for July .
It may seem unusual in Algeria, especially for a woman, to consider giving up a career as an airline pilot - with all the social status and relative financial stability it provides - in order to enter politics and seek a seat in parliament. But Chehih has a clear answer to this question, expressing it with great confidence in herself and her path. "I do not see it as changing fields as much as expanding the circle of responsibility," she told The New Arab . "The profession of aviation has given me a great deal: discipline, precision, respect for time, the ability to make decisions under pressure, and a strong sense of responsibility. It is a true teacher of seriousness and commitment."
She added: "At a certain stage, a person feels that their experience should not remain confined to their personal career path alone. The nation also needs these experiences to move into the public sphere, into institutions, and into the places where decisions are made. My choice to run for office does not mean abandoning my professional identity. On the contrary, I am bringing this experience with me into political work. Parliament needs voices that come from real life, from vital sectors, and from practical experiences that understand responsibility, discipline, and service to the country." A difficult decision Chehih's decision to enter politics and run in the elections was not made in isolation from her family environment. She acknowledges that her family did not easily accept the idea of moving from a professional career into political life.
"Quite honestly, as is the case in many Algerian families , there were discussions, questions, and deep reflection at the beginning, because political work is a major responsibility that requires time and commitment," she said in a conversation with The New Arab . "But my family members knew very well that I had always been interested in public affairs and community work, so my decision was not entirely surprising to them."
She continued: "I found support and encouragement from them, but also constant reminders of the magnitude of the responsibility on my shoulders. I believe that any success, whether in professional life or public affairs, remains connected to having an understanding and supportive family environment."
In the Ain Naâdja district on the southern outskirts of Algiers, Chehih has set up a campaign headquarters where she meets with residents and supporters, discussing their concerns, aspirations, and broader political issues. The office also serves as the launch point for her field visits and neighbourhood meetings across the capital. Entry into politics Despite her young age and limited political experience, Chehih is not hesitant to directly engage with citizens. She seeks to convince them of the importance of political participation and voting as a means of influencing public affairs and driving change, with a particular focus on Algeria's younger generation, whom she sees as essential partners in shaping the country's future.
This isn’t the first time she has entered the field of politics. Alongside her work as a pilot with Air Algérie and her academic background in computer electronics engineering, Chiehih has built a substantial record of civic and voluntary engagement as president of the Algerian Women's Forum. She has also participated in numerous Arab and international forums focused on women's issues, entrepreneurship, and startup developments.
These experiences allowed her to engage directly with the concerns of Algerian society and gain insight into key issues such as education, vocational training, and healthcare. Chehih sees her entry into politics as a natural extension of her professional and civic experience rather than a break from it. "It is true that I did not come from traditional politics in its narrow sense," she said. "I came from the reality of work and interaction with society, and from meaningful experience advocating for the participation of women and youth in positions of responsibility. I consider my candidacy a natural step in a path of commitment that began in the field, not a sudden transition or a temporary decision."
She added: "Every time I fly a plane from Algiers to Adrar [in south-central Algeria], I am struck by the vastness of the country. Before I even reach Adrar, another aircraft may have already completed a round trip to Madrid. This gives me a profound sense of Algeria's size and strengthens my conviction that it needs all of its sons and daughters, and all of its talents and capabilities, to meet the challenges of the future." Strengthening women’s presence Chehih believes in strengthening women's political presence in Algeria - one of the factors that she said motivated her to run for parliament.
With each election or major political milestone, debates resurface over women’s role in public life and their access to positions of decision-making power.
While many argue that persistent political and social barriers continue to hinder women's participation, Chehih strikes a more optimistic note, pointing to the transofrmations Algerian society has undergone in recent years.
"It cannot be said that all challenges have disappeared. There are still some stereotypes and difficulties," she explains. "But the progress Algeria has made in the field of women's participation in public life is significant and should not be underestimated."