Algeria minister: elections are credible

Algerian interior minister Dahou Ould Kablia said Thursday turnout reached 44.26 percent in municipal assembly elections and 42.92 percent in provincial assembly elections.

“The turnout was expected and it is almost similar to that of 2007 where it reached 43.90 percent in municipal assemblies and 34.26 percent in provincial assemblies,” said Ould Kablia.

“No doubts can be expressed about these elections credibility. Wrongdoings and skirmishes and which have recently happened had no impact on the election results,” he added.

Tindouf had the highest turnout estimated at 72.82 percent followed by Adrar with 70.22 percent. In 12 provinces, the turnout exceeded 50 percent.

Algiers had the lowest turnout estimated at 26.75 percent.

Contrarily to observers and political activists’ expectations of a possible boycott, Ould Kablia said the announced results were “expected as the electoral act is recognized in Algeria.”