Polls close in Algeria in vote on new constitution

Polling stations in Algeria closed on Sunday evening as voting came to an end in a controversial referendum on whether to approve a revised constitution.

The revisions, which were among promises the president made when he was elected in December, would limit presidents and parliament members to two terms, makes it easier to create political parties, and hands some presidential powers to the prime minister, among other changes.

However, opponents of the constitution called for a boycott of the vote after they were barred from campaign venues or from expressing their views on public television or radio.

Pro-democracy activists say the revised charter doesn't go far enough to open up politics to a new generation of leaders.

Islamist parties say it doesn't do enough to promote Islam and the Arabic language, and oppose a measure on religious freedom.

Meanwhile, the man who pushed for the referendum, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, is hospitalized in Germany after several people in his administration showed symptoms of the virus.

The 74-year-old's exact ailment and whereabouts are unclear, though a presidential adviser said Sunday that he is "in good health" and continuing medical exams.

He insisted that it "reflects the major demands" of the Hirak protest movement, and will allow young people and non-governmental actors more of a say in Algerian policies.

Hirak activists and their supporters, who want a wholesale overhaul of Algeria's leadership, see the referendum as an effort to look progressive while leaving the overall power structure in place.

Some 23.5 million Algerian voters are eligible in to take part, though turnout was expected to be low because of the calls for a boycott, a lackluster campaign — and worries about the new coronavirus.

The referendum took place symbolically on the 68th anniversary of the beginning of Algeria's war for independence from France.