Algerian President, Abdelaziz Bouteflika defied the protests from citizens urging him not to contest the next presidential election.
Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 82 years is confined to the wheel-chair. He is however seeking a fifth term but Algerians have asked him not to.
For weeks now there have been series of protests across the north African nation for Bouteflika to rescind his decision to file to contest.
On Sunday the protests heightened but the Algerian leader said he wants to stay in power a little longer.
Mr Bouteflika’s papers for the election were submitted on his behalf by his campaign manager since he himself is undergoing medical treatment in Switzerland.
Sunday was the deadline for the submission of nomination papers for the elections.
Letter to Algerians
Bouteflika says should he win the April election, he will put together an “inclusive national conference”. That will be followed by a vote to determine the next president.
In a letter read on national television following the protests, Mr Bouteflika said “I listened and heard the heartfelt cry of protesters and in particular of the thousands of youth who asked me about the future of our country.
These youth express an understandable concern about the uncertainties they face. I have the duty and will to appease the hearts and spirits of my compatriots.”
Bouteflika reportedly suffered stroke in 2013 and hardly makes public appearances. He has been in power for 20 years now.
Despite not in good health he is bent on securing another term, with opposition parties doubting whether he is fully in charge of affairs.
Bouteflika is leading a rich oil and gas-exporting country.
The Algerian leader isn’t the oldest president world leader though but his critics say his health condition makes it tough for him to carry out his duties.
Bouteflika’s colleague in Tunisia, Beji Caid Essebsi is 92-years-old.
And the world’s oldest elected leader is 93-year-old Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
Source: Africafeeds.com
