Algerians will be voting for a new president on July 4. The country’s interim presidency made the announcement on Wednesday following weeks of protests.
No further details about the entire electoral process were given.
The protesters have been demanding a total regime change despite forcing long-serving leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign last week.
The appointment of Abdelkader Bensalah as interim president of the country this week was rejected by protesters.
Bensalah who is the speaker of Algeria’s upper house parliament will be in charge of the country until the next election.
Leaders of the protests fear if there is no political reform, people who represent the current regime will dominate the next election.
The interim president told members of parliament after his appointment that “I need everyone during this period in our country to apply the constitution strictly, to work hard, faithfully and with dedication in order to return as soon as possible the word to the people.”
Algeria’s army chief Lieutenant General Gaid Salah on Wednesday announced the need to prosecute members of the ruling elite for corruption.
“The army will meet the people’s demands,” Salah said when he spoke to officers and soldiers at a military base. He added that “The judiciary has recovered its prerogative and can work freely.”
Young people make up about 70% of the country’s population. The upcoming election is crucial for them in seeking a new direction for the country.
Unemployment remains high among Algeria’s young people, making them very anxious for a change.
Source: Africafeeds.com
