Algerian Local Polls See Weak Voter Turnout

By Abdul Razak Bin Abdullah



ALGIERS (AA) - The turnout rate in Algeria's municipal and state council elections, which kicked off Thursday morning, stood at a mere 7 percent three hours into the vote, according to the Interior Ministry.



Speaking on state television, Interior Minister Nour Eddine Badawi said voter participation as of 11 A.M. local time stood at 6.8 percent for the state council vote and 7 percent for the municipal poll.



Polling stations opened countrywide at 8 A.M. local time for some 23 million registered voters.



The election will see over 65,000 candidates -- representing 51 political parties -- vie for 1,541 municipal council seats and 48 state council seats.



The voting process will last for eight hours but could be extended by another hour if needed, in line with the country's electoral laws.



Preliminary results will be announced Friday by the Interior Ministry, while final results will be announced a few days later by Algeria's Constitutional Council. -