The Algerian ruling party, the National Democratic Rally, has won an overwhelming number of seats in elections for the upper house of parliament.

The Algerian Interior Minister Mustafa Benmansour has appeared live on Algerian TV to announce the victory. Benmansour said the National Democratic Rally had won 80 seats, the National Liberation Front (FLN) 10 seats, the Socialist Forces Front four seats, and the Movement of Society of Peace (MSP) two seats.

President Liamine Zeroual will directly appoint the remaining one third of the Senate

Early results showed a clear lead for supporters of President Liamine Zeroual. The ruling National Democratic Rally won more than three quarters of the first forty seats declared.

In the elections, regional and municipal councillors have been choosing the 96 members - or two-thirds - of the new Senate, known as the Council of the Nation. But the rest of the 144 seat Senate will be appointed by President Zeroual himself.

The Senate will have the power to approve legislation passed by the lower house. The speaker of the Senate also becomes head of state should the post fall vacant.

The formation of the upper house is a final step in bringing in a new constitution which the government hopes will end Algeria's instability and civil strife.

BBC correspondents have said these indirect elections are the final stage of the President's attempt to lend democratic legitimacy to his military-backed rule.

The voting comes as attacks blamed on Islamic militants continued. More than 80 people are now reported to have been killed in such attacks earlier this week.
 

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