Algerian President Tightens Political Grip
President Liamine Zeroual’s party won a majority of seats Thursday in a new upper house of parliament, ensuring that he will have virtual veto power over legislation.
The vote put the finishing touches on Algeria’s political restructuring, an attempt by Zeroual to gain more power to snuff out a 5-year-old Islamic insurgency that has killed an estimated 75,000 people, mostly civilians.
Two-thirds of the 144-seat upper house were chosen by local representatives elected in October. Zeroual will pick the remaining third.
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