Algerians go to the polls on Thursday to vote for a new parliament in elections overshadowed by an economic crisis and the ill-health of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Around 11,000 contenders are vying for the 462-seat People's National Assembly, the lower house of parliament in the North African country.
Bouteflika's National Unity Front (FLN) and other pro-government parties are expected to make big gains in the voting.
A social-liberal coalition led by the FLN had a vast majority in the outgoing assembly.
The polls are Algeria's first vote since the country adopted last year constitutional reforms expanding the powers of legislature, which has a five-year mandate.
About 23 million Algerians are eligible to vote, according to official figures. Polling stations across Algeria are open for 11 hours starting from 8 am (0700 GMT). Official results are expected by Friday.
In recent years, energy-rich Algeria has felt the pinch of a sharp drop in oil prices, prompting cuts in state subsidies.
There has also been intense speculation about the state of Bouteflika's health, with the leader being hospitalized numerous times in France over the past 11 years.
In February, German Chancellor Angela Merkel postponed a scheduled visit to Algeria after Bouteflika suffered a bout of acute bronchitis, according to an official statement.
Boutflika has been in power since 1999.
