Dates of last and next legislative elections: L. House 2002/2007
U. House 2003/2006

Head of state: President Abdelaziz Bouteflika

AT THE LAST ELECTION

Algeria is a multiparty democracy.

Profile

Until 1988, Algeria was a single-party socialist-style regime. The subsequent adoption of privatization policies was strongly opposed by Islamist militants. The Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) won the first round of elections in 1991, but the second round was canceled by the military-dominated High Security Council. Since then there has been appalling violence between Islamists and the state, and tens of thousands of people have been killed. The election of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 1999 raised hopes for peace, despite an opposition boycott. He was resoundingly reelected in the 2004 poll, which was seen as free and fair by observers.

An earthquake in May 2003 killed over 2000 people in the Algiers region; a key priority is rebuilding infrastructure.

Main Political Issues

Islamic fundamentalism

Islamist militants want Algeria to become a theocracy. The steps taken in 1992 to prevent the FIS taking office unleashed violence spearheaded by the extremist Armed Islamic Group (GIA) and more recently the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat. The annual death toll exceeds 1500.

Human rights and democracy

Agitation among Islamists and Berbers is fueled by poor living conditions and the lack of adequate representation. An official state of emergency has been in place since 1992; security forces have been accused of meeting insurrection with repression and violence.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004