Preparations for Algerian elections underway

Algerian Minister of Information and Culture Abdul Aziz Rehabi has asserted that the presidential elections will be held in ordinary conditions.

In press statements he made on Monday, Rehabi added that the forthcoming elections represent a qualitative turning point in the context of perpetuating the democratic process in Algeria. He indicated in this respect "the political competition" between the seven candidates who are affiliated to various political forces and took part in all stages.

He added that, "All these would give credibility to these elections which will be enhanced with the participation of all the Algerian people at the voting day."

Voting operations started on Monday for the Algerian presidential elections at mobile balloting boxes dedicated to the people of the Sahara in the southern Algerian states. The balloting boxes numbered 631.

The Algerian Ministry of the Interior has taken measures to ensure security during the voting operations in other Algerian provinces, which will start on April 15.

Voting operations for the Algerian community living abroad started as of Saturday. The number of people eligible to vote abroad are estimated at 750,000, most of them in France.