Algerians cast their votes on Saturday in the presidential election, which is expected to be won by incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Tebboune, who took office in late 2019, is seeking a second five-year term.
He is supported by major parties in the energy-rich North African country. Algeria, a former French colony, is an important energy supplier to Europe.
Islamists Hassani Sharif Abdel Aali and Youssef Aouchiche of the Socialist Forces Front are competing with Tebboune.
However, analysts see Tebboune, 78, as the clear favorite in the vote.
Tebboune is supported by 17 parties that have a majority in the Algerian parliament, according to Algerian political analyst Hakim Boughrara.
“He has achieved a number of feats in his first term. Voters may give Tebboune a second chance [in office] “To complete the files he opened in the first term, such as reducing unemployment, supporting the middle class and attracting a lot of investment to the country,” Boughrara told dpa.
Tebboune was elected president in December 2019, eight months after longtime ruler Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced to step down amid street protests and the powerful military.
At least 24 million Algerians are eligible to vote in a one-day vote on Saturday, with polling stations opening at 8 a.m. (0700 GMT) for an 11 a.m.
It may take weeks before the final official results are announced.
