Algeria Crisis: Bouteflika Won’t Seek Fifth Term, Delays Elections

By Staff

Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced he will not seek a fifth term and delayed the country's presidential polls amid mass protests against his reelection bid. 

In a message carried by the official APS news agency on Monday, the 82-year-old also said the elections would follow a national conference on political and constitutional reform to be carried out by the end of 2019.

"There will be no presidential election on April 18," Bouteflika said in reference to the scheduled date of the vote, adding he was responding to a "pressing demand that you have been numerous to make". 

The dramatic developments followed weeks of mass demonstrations against Bouteflika's plan to extend his 20-year rule. The unprecedented citizens' revolt drew millions to the streets of cities across the country.

Celebrations popped up instead of protests on the streets of the capital, Algiers, at Monday's news. Car horns rang out while people waved flags, jumped up and down, and sang the national anthem. 

Others were more cautious, calling their long-time leader's pledge to step aside just a first step. Bouteflika did not give a date or timeline for the delayed election.

Critics said they fear the moves could pave the way for the president to install a hand-picked successor.

Others saw his decision to postpone the election indefinitely as a threat to democracy in Algeria.

The ailing leader, who has been confined to a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2013, said a government reshuffle would also take place.

According to APS, Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia resigned on Monday and was replaced by Interior Minister Noureddine Bedoui. Ramtane Lamamra was named deputy prime minister, a position that did not exist before.