13 Dec
Algerian voters cast their ballots in a presidential election on Thursday, eight months after the former president resigned amid civilian protests.
Abdelaziz Bouteflika stepped down in April after a 20-year authoritarian rule.
Some Algerians had called for a boycott of the election, as all five candidates had been cabinet members or held key ruling party positions under Bouteflika.
Skirmishes have been reported between police and thousands of protestors who gathered in the capital, Algiers.
Election officials say the turnout rate was about 33 percent as of 5 p.m. on Thursday, local time. Preliminary results are expected on Friday.
nhk
