Supporters of Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika gather in Batna, eastern

Supporters of Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika gather in Batna, eastern Algeria, before an electoral meeting, Thursday March 19, 2009. Algeria's highest court has recently validated six candidates for next month's presidential election, including incumbent President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the favourite, a woman, and two Islamic politicians. Poster reads: Bouteflika, share hope.