May 4, 2017 7:23 PM

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Algerians vote for new parliament in ballot marked by youth apathy

Algerian voters looked set to hand the ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) and its allies another five-year mandate in a parliamentary election today overshadowed by low oil prices and concerns over the health of the country's elderly President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika. <br/><br/>Turnout is traditionally low in elections for the 462-seat National Assembly, which many Algerians see as offering little change in a political system dominated since independence in 1962 by the FLN. The FLN and the pro-government National Rally for Democracy (RND) are widely expected to win against a divided opposition that includes leftists and Islamist party alliances. Smaller parties have boycotted the vote. <br/><br/>Government officials and ruling parties have tried to rally voters under the slogan "Let your voice be heard", mostly appealing to worries over security and continuity. The interior ministry will announce the results of the vote tomorrow morning.

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