All set for Algeria's legislative polls despite fears of low turnout

Algerians head to the polls on Thursday (April 04, 2017) to elect a new parliament.

The elections are taking place despite concerns over what may be a low turnout with a prediction of not doing better than the 43.14 percent in 2012.

The North African country is grappling with a deep financial crisis because of a drop in oil revenues and amid criticism from people who say the government has failed to keep its promises.

Ahead of the elections, the campaign was somewhat shunned by some Algerians who rather paid attention to the French elections.

The National Liberation Front (FLN) have been in power since 1962.

Islamists, who hold 60 seats in the outgoing parliament, represent the country’s main opposition force.

Some 2,000 candidates are standing for 462 seats in the People’s National Assembly. Some 23 million people are legally registered to vote.