Algerians headed to the polls on Thursday to elect a new parliament in an election shadowed by expectations of low turnout among the 25-million-person electorate.
The vote is taking place amid controversy over the government's disqualification of roughly a third of would-be candidates -- with some saying they were blocked from competing for major constituencies, including the capital, Algiers.
The ruling National Liberation Movement (FLN) was widely expected to still dominate the 407-seat National People's Assembly, whose members are elected for five-year terms.
Polling stations across Algeria opened at 8:00 am local time (0700 GMT) and were due to close at 7:00 pm (1800 GMT).
"We're here to fulfil our electoral duty, nothing more," said voter Majid Harouz. "It's our right."
