Carnage before poll

ALGIERS - Bombs ripped through Algiers killing some 18 people and wounding more than 100 in less than 24 hours as campaigning…

ALGIERS - Bombs ripped through Algiers killing some 18 people and wounding more than 100 in less than 24 hours as campaigning closed for Algeria's parliamentary elections meant to end years of bloodshed.

One bomb exploded yesterday morning in the crowded Bouzrina market of Bab el-Oued in central Algiers. Security forces said it killed seven people and wounded 37. Yesterday was the final day for around 8,000 candidates to muster support in their bid for a place in the 380 seat National Assembly.

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