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. - 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. 4