Algeria: The initial voter turnout in the legislative elections reached 20.79%

SadaNews - The voter turnout in the Algerian legislative elections, which took place on Thursday after the polling stations closed, reached 20.79%, according to preliminary statistics released by the authorities, a figure that is considered historically low if confirmed.

The acting chairman of the Independent National Authority for Elections, Karim Khalfan, announced this figure late Thursday evening.

He stated, "These are preliminary figures," indicating that they will certainly change, in a statement broadcast on the authority's Facebook page.

Voter apathy was one of the most prominent features of these elections. Voting was extended by an additional hour nationwide "to allow voters the opportunity to exercise their right to vote," according to the Independent National Authority for Elections.

About 25 million Algerians were called to vote for their representatives.

Observers expect parties close to the authority, such as the National Liberation Front, to win in these elections, unless there are any surprises.