AU sends 100 observers to Algeria elections

The African Union (AU) will send a 100-strong observer mission to monitor Algeria's presidential election on Thursday, the pan-African body announced Monday in a statement.

The organisation, headquartered in Addis Ababa, said the decision by AU Commission Chairman Jean Ping was made in response to an invitation by the Algerian government.

"Jean Ping will be deploying an observer mission consisting of 100 observers to Algeria," it said, adding the group would be headed by former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano.

He said the mission would include members of the pan-African parliament, senior members of African electoral commissions, civil society representatives and technical support personnel.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who at 72 is seeking to retain the top job for another mandate, won office in 1999 and was re-elected in 2004 with 85 percent of the votes.

He is the favourite in Thursday's poll, which will be contested by five other candidates and held under tight security.