Algerian opposition doubtful about election results
Algeria, Politics, 10/27/1997

Terrorism affected the election process in Algeria as voters were trembling while they were entering the balloting rooms in spite of the security presence in all the regions of election.

Eyewitnesses said that the balloting rooms were empty in the area of terrorist activities and that few Algerians voted in the other areas. The candidates themselves were moving without concern as most of them represent the government in this election.

The Islamic Salvation Front, the biggest party in the provincial election in 1990 which was canceled in 1992 boycotted this election. Commentators found that the election's results could be easily expected as most Algerians from different social strata got involved in confronting terrorism.

With the end of this election, Algeria ended its transitional phase and will be waiting for the Al Oma Council in which 96 candidates will be elected in addition to the 15,002 candidates of the Provincial election and the 44 candidates who will be appointed by President Zeroual.

Opposition parties said that they believe that the procedures were tampered with. A spokesman of the Gathering For Culture and Democracy headed by Dr. Said Saadi confirmed that the results prove that the they were tampered with in favor of the ruling party against his party and the other opposition parties.

Saadi added that the number of votes achieved by the NDR is not possible and not true. He added that opposition representatives were prevented from monitoring the election process and the vote counts in a number of balloting centers. It is expected that the Socialist Powers Front led by Hussein Ayat Ahmed will hold a meeting to study the results of the election and to decide on an appropriate reaction.

The three parties which won the most votes are the same parties comprising the government coalition. Handicapped people were not allowed to participate in the election under the reason of protecting them. The Algerian authorities allowed them only to move within the capital.

Previous Stories:
  Algeria after the victory of the middle powers   (10/27/1997)
  Balloting complete in Algeria   (10/24/1997)
  Algeria sets up security offices in ministries and government institutions   (10/20/1997)

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