Mute' Bouteflika Poised To Win Algeria's Re-Election

Ailing incumbent Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika was poised to win a fourth term in office on Friday, unofficial results showed.



Algerians cast their ballot Thursday in the country's presidential election, in which Bouteflika – along with five other candidates – were vying for the country's highest office. 



Unofficial results showed that Bouteflika clinched more than 60 percent of the votes in Thursday's ballot.



Interior Minister Taieb Belaiz will announce the final vote results on Friday.



Bouteflika, 76, cast his ballot in Thursday's presidential election from a wheelchair.



The veteran head of state – who has been suffering chronic health problems – has not made any public statements since being treated in Paris for a "mini-stroke" he suffered in April of last year.



He has never attended election rallies, which were only attended by state and party officials.



His re-election bid has sparked derision in the North African country and sometimes clashes, which left at least 30 people injured on Thursday.



By Abderrazek Ben Abdullah



englishnews@aa.com.tr - Alger