Algeria's Interior Ministry announced May 5 the results of the previous day's legislative election results, which could have important implications for presidential elections in 2019. The ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) and the National Rally for Democracy (RND) coalition clearly maintains its majority in parliament, but it is notable that the FLN lost a number of seats while the RND gained some. Participation in the elections was 38 percent, lower than the government target of more than 43 percent, the rate in 2012. Low turnout is likely a result of waning popular support for the government because of painful austerity measures implemented in January. The shifting power balance between the FLN and RND is also likely at least partly attributable to austerity measures . But regardless of reasons, declining support for the FLN could bolster RND leader Ahmed Ouyahia or other RND leaders during presidential elections in 2019.