Algerians vote on Thursday for a new parliament likely to hand a majority to the ruling FLN party and its allies, though turnout is traditionally low for elections to a National Assembly many voters dismiss as weak. A new constitution allows parliament a say in naming the prime minister but critics see it as a rubberstamp assembly. The FLN and RND benefit from association with Bouteflika and the government's public spending. They also gain from a low turnout as core supporters among the elderly, public workers and armed forces are most likely to vote. "For five years we don't see congressmen and we have no right to talk to them, then they ask for our vote?

Source: The Star May 04, 2017 06:45 UTC