PART TWO: Data and information on the general framework for human rights promotion and protection in Algeria 85. Algeria ensures the implementation of a national plan aimed at consolidating compliance with human rights guaranteed by the Constitution. The plan outlines a decent human rights policy and reaffirms Algeria’s determination to consolidate the individual and collective freedoms and duties of its citizens and the promotion of the values of equality, solidarity, sharing and tolerance. 86. In this regard, the government continues to implement reform projects: the conclusion of the justice sector reform, and the evaluation of measures in the education, health and social protection sectors. Moreover, there has been an improvement in the status of women, in particular since 2008, marked by women’s greater participation in public life and in society through an increased representation in institutions. 87. Algeria’s human rights policy has led to a constant consolidation of the (A) institutional and (B) legal frameworks. A. Institutional framework 88. The human rights institutional framework in Algeria includes (1) constitutional and (2) nonconstitutional mechanisms. 1. Constitutional mechanisms 89. Constitutional mechanisms are governed by political bodies and judicial institutions. 90. The Constitution of 1989, amended in 1996 and in 2008, institutes the separation of powers between the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. The country has a presidential system. 91. Legislative power is vested in Parliament, a forum for democratic and pluralistic expression. Parliament oversees the work of the Government and votes laws. Human rights issues are handled by the relevant standing committees of Parliament. 92. Following the constitutional amendment of 28 November 1996 establishing a bicameral Parliament, the People’s National Assembly is now the first chamber of Parliament, with 462 Members of Parliament representing the various political groups, elected by direct universal suffrage. The Council of the Nation is the second chamber of Parliament with 144 members. Two-thirds of its members are elected by indirect suffrage by the college of members of the Communal and Departmental People’s Assemblies, and one-third, comprising 48 members, is appointed by the President of the Republic. 93. An organic law to increase women’s representation in elected local and national assemblies was promulgated in January 2012. The law guarantees the gradual process of female candidatures which varies between 20 and 50 %. It also provides that any electoral list which does not comply with the female representation quotas defined by the law shall be rejected. As a result of this proactive policy to promote women’s representation, Algeria achieved 31% women’s representation in Parliament during the May 2012 parliamentary elections. 94. In accordance with the Constitution, the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister exercise executive power in the Algerian political system. The President of the Republic, Head of State, embodies the unity of the Nation. The President of the Republic is elected by universal, direct and secret suffrage for a five-year term of office, and is eligible for re-election. The Prime Minister implements the programme of the President of the Republic and coordinates the action of the Government to this effect. The programme is submitted for the approval of the People’s National Assembly. 17