Council of the Nation facts for kids

The Council of the Nation is an important part of the government in Algeria. It's like the 'upper house' of their parliament, which helps make laws for the country.

What is the Council of the Nation?

The Council of the Nation is one of two main groups that form the Algerian Parliament. This parliament is where new laws are discussed and approved for the country. The Council of the Nation works alongside another group, the National People's Assembly. Together, they make sure Algeria has good laws.

How are Members Chosen?

The Council of the Nation has 144 members. These members are chosen in two different ways:

• Elected Members: Two-thirds (2/3) of the members are chosen through elections. However, these are not direct elections where everyone votes. Instead, they are elected indirectly, often by local officials.
• Appointed Members: One-third (1/3) of the members are chosen by the President. The President picks these members to join the Council.

Important Leaders

The Council of the Nation has leaders who help guide its work.

• President of the Council: From 2002, Abdelkader Bensalah served as the President of the Council of the Nation. He was re-elected several times, showing his important role.
• Vice-President of the Council: Zohra Drif was elected as the Vice-President of the Council of the Nation. She also served multiple terms, helping to lead the Council.

The Council of the Nation plays a key role in making sure Algeria's laws are fair and helpful for its citizens.