the light of the decision made by the Constitutional Council giving the Covenant precedence over national legislation. Noting that the Constitution had been drafted shortly before Algeria's accession to the Covenant, but that the Covenant had not been taken as a model, members wished to know the status of chapter 4 of the new Constitution, which dealt with citizens' rights and liberties, and how that chapter related to the relevant provisions of the Covenant. Observing that the provisions of the Covenant formed an integral part of Algerian law and could be directly invoked before the courts, they also wished to know what remedies were available in cases where a violation of the Covenant did not constitute an infraction under Algerian law. Additionally, it was asked what measures had been taken to promote knowledge of the Covenant and its provisions and whether any publicity campaigns or educational programmes had been undertaken. 268. Concerning recent political developments, members wished to receive necessary additional information on the suspension of the democratic process and the cancellation of the second round of legislative elections, which had occurred at the beginning of 1992/ and wished to know how the recent attempt of anti-democratic forces to use the democratic process to come to power was viewed by the Algerian authorities in the context of article 5 of the Covenant. With regard to article 4 of the Covenant, members wished to receive additional information on both the first state of emergency declared on 4 June 1991 and the more recent one declared in February 1992. In that connection, they inquired whether the Government had made use of the notification procedure laid down in article 4, paragraph 3, of the Covenant. Members also asked what rights had been derogated from during both states of emergency and what was the constitutional or statutory basis for ensuring conformity with article 4, paragraph 2, of the Covenant. Further information was also sought on any factors and difficulties, other than the states of emergency, that affected the implementation of the Covenant. 269. Regarding the prohibition of discrimination on various grounds, clarification was requested as to the compatibility with the Covenant of article 28 of the Constitution, of the requirement of a dowry when contracting marriage and of the right of a husband to take more than, one wife. In that connection, members wondered how the prohibition of discrimination against women could be reconciled with Algeria's traditional values and patriarchal culture. Regarding the status of aliens in Algeria, it was asked in which respects the rights of aliens were restricted as compared with those of citizens and whether aliens who married Algerian citizens could pass on their nationality to their children. 270. In connection with article 6 of the Covenant, members of the Committee requested clarification as to the offences that were currently punishable by the death penalty; the number of executions that had taken place over the past year; on the recourse available against a death sentence, including cases where a sentence had been passed by a military tribunal; and the procedure for granting pardon under the current state of emergency. In the light of the provision of article 6 of the Covenant requiring States parties that had not abolished the death penalty to reserve it for the most serious crimes, members asked why the imposition of the death penalty for economic offences was allowed. It was also asked what the rules and regulations were governing the use of force by the police and security forces during peaceful demonstrations; whether there had been any violations of those rules and regulations and, if -62-