ALGIERS- A legal framework to ensure the smooth running of the ballot during the June-12 legislative elections has been set up by the Ministry of Justice to oversee the electoral operation, a statement from the Prime Minister's services said on Wednesday.

"In anticipation of the legislative elections due to be held on June 12, 2021, the Minister of Justice outlined a legal regime aimed at overseeing the electoral operation. The regime contains the provisions relating to electoral offenses and the penalties provided for in the matter," said the statement issued following Government meeting, chaired by videoconference by Prime Minister, Abdelaziz Djerad.

The framework aims at guaranteeing the protection of the ballot against malicious acts, attempting to disrupt the normal conduct of the ballot and the free exercise of the electoral right by the citizens, added the source.

"The penal sanctions provided for in this matter are set out in Articles 294 to 313 of the organic law on the electoral regime," added the same source.

Under these articles, individuals convicted of "acts of destruction or removal of ballot boxes, interference with the conduct of the ballot and disturbances in the voting process may face up to 20 years in prison."