Free elections promised in Algeria

ALGERIA'S president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has promised to ensure free elections, amend the constitution and end the jailing of journalists.

The moves seem to be aimed at preventing local unrest turning into a national uprising.

Bouteflika, who had not spoken in public for months, said he had decided to amend the constitution "to reinforce representative democracy".

In a 30-minute speech, Bouteflika announced he would change the electoral law in Algeria, which is due to hold its next presidential election in 2014. "All measures will be taken to ensure free and fair elections including supervision by international observers," he said.