National Front Algeria

Muslim fundamentalists swept to power in Algeria on Friday, gaining almost half the seats in the country's first multi-party National Assembly as crowds of chanting supporters filled the streets.

Muslim fundamentalists swept to power in Algeria on Friday, gaining almost half the seats in the country's first multi-party National Assembly as crowds of chanting supporters filled the streets.

Algerian President Chadli Bendjedid announced Wednesday that the political reforms he promised to make in the wake of last week's anti-government riots will be put to a popular vote in two referendums starting next month. A three-point communique issued by Bendjedid's office said the first referendum, to be held Nov. 3, will ask Algerians to approve the appointment of a new premier who will be responsible before the People's National Assembly, Algeria's 295-seat Parliament.

This country's leaders have an urgent message for their people: Give up the traditional goal of a large family or face a future of poverty, ignorance and dependence on imported food. Planners fear that the country's annual population growth rate of 3.2%, which would double Algeria's numbers in 22 years, will nullify their attempts to convert oil and gas revenues into a higher standard of living.

The old man sat stiffly on a stool in front of his fire-gutted storefront, trying to ignore the stranger who wanted to know what he thought about the riots that convulsed Algiers last week. Finally, without saying a word, he raised his right hand and pointed to a slogan scrawled in large letters on a wall across the street. "Chadli assassin," it said. "Give us our rights."

After a new National Assembly was elected in February, a joke began going around Algiers to the effect that the real winners of the election were butter and coffee. To Algerians, no explanation was needed.