Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika
Algerian President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika promised on Friday to ensure free elections, amend the constitution and end jailing of journalists - moves aimed at
preventing local unrest turning into a national uprising.
Bouteflika, who had not spoken in public for at least three months, said he had decided to amend the constitution \"to reinforce representative democracy\" in Algeria.
In a 30 minute speech, Bouteflika announced he would change the electoral law in Algeria, which is due to hold the next presidential election in 2014. \"All measures will be taken to ensure free and fair elections including supervision by international observers,\" Bouteflika, 74, said in the speech broadcast by state-owned television.
Unlike the uprisings which toppled leaders in nearby Egypt and Tunisia, Algeria\'s protests are localised and have yet to coalesce into a nationwide political movement.
But the growing protests have become a daily occurrence in the capital and a threat to Opec member Algeria\'s stability. \"I will urge the parliament to review all the legislative framework,\" said Bouteflika.
The army cancelled elections in 1991 which Islamists under the banner of the Islamic Salvation Front looked set to win, plunging Algeria into a civil war that killed at least 150,000.
Bouteflika also promised a new information law to replace the current one which provides for jail sentences of two to 12 months and fines from 50,000 to 250,000 dinars (about $1,000 to $5,000). The old law has been used to imprison journalists who wrote articles critical of Bouteflika.
Algeria\'s government strategy so far to deal with the wave of strikes and demonstrations has been to use oil money and give protesters what they want. But commentators say this has encouraged other people to take their demands to the streets.
Political analyst Mohammad Lagab cautiously welcomed Bouteflika\'s comments. \"Acknowledging that political reforms - and not only social and economic reforms - will help to solve the crisis is key,\" Lagab, who teaches at Algiers University, told Reuters.
\"But Bouteflika did not give a deadline for the reforms he announced and he did not sack the government yet,\" said Lagab.
From Gulfnews
GMT 16:51 2018 Thursday ,30 August
Lavrov tells West not to obstruct anti-terror operationsGMT 08:47 2018 Wednesday ,24 January
Greenland, Faroe Islands tricky modelsGMT 08:44 2018 Wednesday ,24 January
World powers step up pressure on Syria, RussiaGMT 08:39 2018 Wednesday ,24 January
Another Sisi rival at risk of exiting Egypt election raceGMT 08:30 2018 Wednesday ,24 January
Myanmar blames Bangladesh for delayed Rohingya returnGMT 08:26 2018 Wednesday ,24 January
World powers meet to pressure Syria on chemical attacksGMT 08:20 2018 Wednesday ,24 January
Turkey clashes with Kurdish militia as US sounds alarmGMT 09:06 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
US Democrats accept compromise to end government shutdownMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2021 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor