Algiers, Dec 12 (UNI) Amid political crisis and ongoing anti-government protests demanding political reforms before any vote, Algeria is all set to head to polls on Thursday to elect their new President.
The elections come eight months after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down against the backdrop of popular protests against his 20-year rule.
According to the Algerian Elections Committee, nearly 24.5 million people are expected to cast their votes, including about one million Algerian nationals living abroad, who have begun voting a few days earlier, Sputnik reported.
Five candidates are competing to replace deposed president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, whose intention to seek a fifth term in office led to nationwide protests followed by his resignation on April 2.
The country's opposition does not support the election and continues to insist on reforming governing structures to get rid of Bouteflika's legacy. Even the protestors are not enthusiastic about the presidential contest as they believe that the five candidates running in the polls have been involved with Bouteflika’s regime.
UNI XC JAL 1210