Algeria poll greeted

European observers have given Algeria’s polls a polite nod despite widespread suspicion over results that saw the regime buck the Arab Spring trend of change and tighten its grip on power. Algeria’s governing party, the National Liberation Front (FLN), won the parliamentary elections, according to official results. The party won 220 out of 463 seats, while its partner in government, the National Democratic Rally (RND), came second with 68 seats, officials said. An Islamist alliance came third with 48 seats, but has alleged fraud.