Algeria approves constitutional reforms despite opposition boycott

The Algerian parliament on Sunday approved by an overwhelming margin a series of constitutional reforms that the authority say would strengthen democracy, despite boycott from opposition parties.

Some 499 lawmakers of the 517-seat parliament voted for a revised constitution.

Speaking to the MPs before the vote, Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said the revised constitution stands as a historic step towards deepening democracy in the North African nation, as well as "a bulwark against political instability and threats to the national security."

Main opposition parties, including the Socialist Forces Front, as well as Islamist Green Algeria Alliance and the Front for Justice and Development, boycotted the session.

The oppositions, secular or Islamist, have already snubbed the consultation meetings over the draft of the amended constitution, saying they do not accept to debate a "ready-made" constitution and believe that revising the constitution should be done through a referendum.

Late last month, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika convened with both houses of the parliament hoping to approve the draft revision that would establish Tamazight as an official language for national unity, limit the presidency to two terms, and ban bi-nationals to hold high state office.

Earlier this week, the country's constitutional council approved the draft, saying the revision would neither undermine the general principles that run society and protect human rights, nor affect the fundamental balance of powers.

After the eruption of the political turmoil across the Arab world in 2011, President Bouteflika launched a series of political reforms, including the draft of the constitution amendment. It touches on fixing laws on election, political parties, associations and media. Endit