Votes are being counted in parliamentary elections in Algeria.

The ruling National Liberation Front (FNL) is expected to retain its majority despite deep economic problems and uncertainty over the health of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

The 80-year-old leader voted from a wheelchair in Algiers, in a rare public appearance since a 2013 stroke.

Observers say there is little sign of enthusiasm among voters. Officials results are expected on Friday.

More than 23m people were eligible to vote for 11,334 candidates from 50 different political parties, including opposition Islamist alliances, in Thursday's elections.

Algerian lawmakers are elected for a five-year term in the 462-seat lower house.

The rule of President Bouteflika has been criticised for corruption and a lack of freedom, even though he has overseen a period of relative stability and prosperity following a decade-long civil war in the 1990s.

But recent economic difficulties caused by falling oil prices have seen austerity imposed on the country.

Source:
courtesy of BBC NEWS

by BBC NEWS

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