Polls have closed in Algeria where a contentious presidential election, boycotted by tens of thousands of protesters nationwide was held. It is the first vote since former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced out after a two-decade-long rule in April in the wake of nationwide peaceful protests. The polls have been deferred twice since the unprecedented leaderless protest movement, commonly referred to as the Hirak, erupted in February.

For more on the significance of the polls , Channel Africa’s Khumbelo Munzhelele spoke to Dr Zoubir Yahia, Expert on Algerian Politics.