For many Algerians their 82-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika could soon exit power due to the incessant protests and agitations against his regime.
But it doesn’t look that easy to realize as Bouteflika clings to power. He said on Monday that he will stay in power beyond his term expiring next month.
Elections were supposed to have taken place next month to choose a new president.
Bouteflika had filed to contest that election but rescinded his decision at the peak of protests.
He then called for the suspension of the elections. Many were hoping he will let go the presidency in order to restore calm to the country.
No clear exit plan
But on Monday Bouteflika didn’t signal when he will leave power and when fresh elections could take place to pick his successor.
Bouteflika who is confined to a wheel-chair and medically unwell said in a statement that he hopes “that Algeria experiences, in the near future, a harmonious transition and assists handing over the reins to a new generation.”
His statement continued that “this is the ultimate goal that I have committed to making a reality before the end of my presidential journey, at your side and at your service”.
There is no clarity when his national conference to discuss political and economic reforms will take place. But Bouteflika says it would start “in the very near future”.
The 82-year-old president however revealed that a constitutional review process would be put before a referendum.
The referendum according to him would be “a prelude to a new electoral process that will see the election of a new president.”
Game over?
Last week a senior party figure, Hocine Kheldoun said in an interview that the Algerian President was “history now”.
Reuters reports that another former minister of Algeria who wants to remain anonymous commented saying “Game over. Bouteflika has no choice but to quit now.”
But there is no clear indication when he would eventually become history.
Bouteflika reportedly suffered stroke in 2013 and hardly makes public appearances. He has been in power for 20 years now.
Source: Africafeeds.com
