CHAPTER TWO: HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND CURRENT CHALLENGES 88. The direction of changes undertaken and the “model” of Algerian society under construction need to be clarified. It is especially important that the necessary consensus be built and that national political, social and economic forces be mobilised around this consensus. After a basic mechanism has been implemented in several areas, its operations and efficiency need to be concretised. 89. At political level, the determination of public authorities to realise democratic governance is reflected in the establishment of the elected institutions. The adoption, by referendum, of a Constitution that was revised on 28 November 1996, has further enshrined freedom, political pluralism, separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. 90. In addition to the Constitution, there are three fundamental texts that currently provide for the democratisation of public life in Algeria: The law governing political parties, adopted in 1989 and amended in 1997, which facilitated the creation of over 60 political parties in Algeria‟s political landscape. This number has subsequently settled at the current figure of 28 political parties. The law on associations, promulgated in 1988 and amended in 1990, which states that associations can be created based on a simple declaration by the founders, either at the wilaya or the Ministry of the Interior (if it is a national association). According to official statistics, there are over 60 000 active associations in Algeria. The law pertaining to information, adopted in 1990, which gave rise to an independent or partisan press in addition to the public press. 91. Algeria has therefore been able to organise regular, free, transparent and equitable general elections in an environment of peace and stability. The country also stands out because of the vigorous pluralism of its politics, media and trade union movement. It is notable for its dynamic civil society, which is making an increasing important contribution to the national renewal process. 92. On the economic, social and cultural scene, it is important to highlight the extraordinary efforts Algeria has made, particularly in recent years, with regard to infrastructure, access to health care, education, social housing and, more generally, basic social services. 93. It is worth noting that the main international instruments for promoting and protecting human rights and those pertaining to other themes of political, economic and business governance, and socio-economic development have been ratified. Algeria has also initiated the process of ratifying the Rome Statutes of the International Criminal Court. These mechanisms deal with individual, civil and political rights, as well as group, economic, social and cultural rights. 51