Algeria goes ahead with controversial move
Algeria's parliament meets from today to consider a package of constitutional reforms that authorities say will strengthen democracy but critics have denounced as window dressing.
Analysts say the reforms are meant to address longstanding public grievances in the North African nation, and possibly to prepare for a smooth transition amid concerns for the health of 78-year-old leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
The president and his inner circle have held a firm grip on power since 1999 and, as the end of his rule appears to close in, there are fears of instability in the mainly Muslim country of 40 million, a key energy producer.
Dominated by Bouteflika supporters, Algeria's lower and upper houses are expected to adopt the reforms on Sunday, after the full package is presented by Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal today.
The main political reforms will see the reintroduction of two-term limits on the presidency -- lifted in 2008 to allow Bouteflika to run for a third time -- and a provision requiring the president to nominate a prime minister from the largest party in parliament.
An independent electoral commission will also be established, the roles of women and youth will be recognised and freedoms of assembly and the press will be explicitly guaranteed.
The Amazigh language spoken by the indigenous Berber population will also be recognised as official, alongside Arabic.
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