The Movement of Society for Peace (MSP), an Islamist party that holds 33 out of 462 seats in Algeria’s National Assembly, has urged its constituents to vote against proposed constitutional changes in an upcoming referendum on Nov. 1, Echourouk Online reported Sept. 26. MSP is the first opposition party to officially reject the referendum. Why It Matters: The MSP argues that the lack of popular or opposition participation in the drafting process will limit the impact of any eventual constitutional revisions. Other parties will likely follow MSP in rejecting the referendum, and some labor unions, including those linked with the Algeria Workers’ Party, have also voiced their concern. If more parties do express their reservations, another round of protests against surrounding the referendum is possible. Background: If approved in the Nov. 1 referendum, the proposed changes would add language about transparency and electoral fairness into the constitution.