The actual count indicates that a small percentage of the electorate was willing to vote for the FIS, albeit, it was a much larger percentage than those who voted for the FLN, and certainly any of the other parties. The FIS, from the beginning of its creation, was not unified in its ideas. Whether right or wrong, Ali Belhadj believes what he preaches, and this comes across. It is necessary to have pluralism. Because one must have what is needed to fulfill one's duty, and we believe it is necessary to have opposition.
Pluralism is a guarantee of cultural wealth, and diversity is needed for development.
Madani was a professor of comparative literature at the University of Algiers who had studied political science in England and received his doctorate in education and sociology in Algeria. He was also a war veteran, having joined the fight for independence on October 31, 1954. Promises of tax cuts, deregulation, and economic incentives for business development attracted the commercial class. The FIS advocated a free-market approach with lower taxes and incentives for developing the private sector. They called for international cooperation with the West in order to explore and expand Algeria's natural resources and export potential.