Algerian leader vows reforms to 'deepen democracy'

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has promised constitutional reforms "aimed at deepening the democratic process" and doubtless meant to bolster stability amid upheavals in neighbouring North African countries.

Strikes and protests have peppered Algeria since the start of the year in various sectors, but demonstrations have failed to gain national backing as Algeria comes out of years of violence from an Islamist insurgency.

Seventy-four-year-old Bouteflika lifted a 19-year-old state of emergency in February, put in place at the start of the insurgency. Violence killed an estimated 200,000.

Bouteflika promised in a Friday night speech that a constitutional commission would be set up that includes all political parties and said electoral laws would be reformed.