In Algeria, thousands again took to the streets against the renewed candidacy of decrepit President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in the presidential election. Eyewitnesses and journalists today reported protests in the center of the capital Algiers. There, the demonstrators moved to the central Audin Square. However, a strong contingent of security forces closed roads to prevent further march.
There were also protests in other cities in the North African country, as local media and activists in social networks reported. The demonstrations are carried by students.
Bouteflika wants fifth term
Already in recent days, people in many cities of Algeria had demonstrated against Bouteflika’s renewed candidacy. The 82-year-old wants to be voted in the vote on 18 April for a fifth term. However, since a stroke, he is dependent on a wheelchair and has great problems to speak. Publicly he appears only rarely. According to the media, he is currently on medical examinations in Geneva.
Bouteflika had officially submitted his candidacy on Sunday. He linked them with a promise to stop governing for a full term and to push ahead with reforms. Critics accuse the Algerian leadership above all of nepotism and corruption.
