People decide in controversial elections

Around 23 million people are expected to cast ballots on Thursday to choose their president for the fourth time within “party pluralism” in Algeria’s history amid controversy about a pre-decided result.

Six candidates entered the race. They are: Louisa Hanoune, Abdelaziz Belaid, Ali Benflis, Moussa Touati, Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Ali Fouzi Rebaine.

According to figures from the interior ministry, the number of voters is estimated at 22,880,678 including Algerians living abroad.

A total of 11,765 voting centers were provided including 167 mobile centers supervised by about 460,000 people.

The law on elections stipulates that voting starts at 8 am and finishes at 7 pm on the same day. Yet, prefects are allowed to advance the start time or delay closure time upon authorization from the interior ministry.

As for nomads, the electoral process was launched on Monday to touch 59,000 voters in 10 provinces: Tamnrasset, Ouargula, Illizi, Tindouf, Adrar, Bechar, Naama, Laghouat, Batna and El Oued.

The ministry took a set of usual measures in electoral between April 16^th until April 18^th in order to ensure smooth running of the elections.

The elections results are expected to be announced on Friday.

Article 135 of the organic law related to elections stipulates that any candidate who does not obtain absolute majority of votes in the first round, a second round is organized.