Paris - Both houses of the Algerian parliament are due to meet Wednesday to decide whether to change the constitution to allow President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to stay on for a third term.

If passed, the 71-year-old president could take up a third five- year term in the spring of 2009.

Parliament would also vote on cutting some of the prime minister's powers in favour of the president.

The country's Constitutional Council approved the changes last week.

Bouteflika is focusing on reconciliation with Islamist terrorists and arming the country with Russian weapons.

It was uncertain whether he would complete his second term after a serious illness.

His re-election is considered by political analysts as certain as the opposition is disorganized and there are no candidates to challenge him. (dpa)