Algerian opposition party to boycott elections

A leading Algerian opposition party said on Saturday it will boycott legislative elections in May because the polls are unlikely to be transparent and parliament serves little purpose.

"Today we can only be sceptical as to the possibility of change through these elections," The Socialist Forces Front (FFS) said in a statement. The 380-seat national assembly is controlled by the conservative National Liberation Front (FLN) of Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem, a close ally of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. (Reuters)