ALGIERS - Polling stations for the local elections in Algeria are open Thursday at 8:00 am (7:00 GMT) throughout the country, as some 21 million Algerians are registered to vote for their future representatives at 1,541 municipal assemblies (APC) and 48 provincial assemblies (APW) for a 5 years term, according to proportional representation list system.

The poll will be closed at 19:00 pm (18:00 GMT).

A woman walks past municipal electoral posters in Algiers, in this Nov 27, 2012 file photo. Algerians vote in the regional and municipal elections on Nov 29. [Photo/Agencies]