The World : Algeria Ends 1-Party Rule

Algerian legislators approved a law allowing opposition political parties, a move that will end the one-party rule existing in this North African state since its independence from France in 1962. Newspapers reported that 40 groups intend to form parties to challenge the political dominance of President Chadli Bendjedid’s National Liberation Front. The law was passed after weeks of often-stormy debate. It is the cornerstone of reforms launched by Bendjedid after bloody riots last October led to calls for more democracy. The first multi-candidate balloting will be in municipal elections in December.