Algeria's ailing president sworn in for 4th term

ALGIERS, Algeria?- Algeria's president has taken his oath of office for a fourth term from his wheelchair following his election win earlier this month.

Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 77, seemed in better health than in past public appearances, but his voice was still weak as he recited the oath of office Monday. Bouteflika suffered a stroke last year.

The president, in power since 1999, received more than 81 percent of the vote in the April 17 election in this key North African energy producer. Turnout at the election was 51 percent.

Opposition parties, most of whom did not attend the ceremony, have cast doubt on the results.

Algeria faces dwindling oil reserves and high unemployment, particularly among the young. There is also the threat of al-Qaida in the southern desert.