Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's director of campaign, Abdelmalek Sellal, announced that the President will submit his candidacy for re-election to the Constitutional Council on March 3. Sellal made the statement during a meeting with the associative movement at the Riadh hotel. The announcement comes amid growing protests against Bouteflika's potential fifth term in office. Sellal emphasized that Bouteflika has the constitutional right to run for office.
Sellal responded to critics of Bouteflika's candidacy, saying that everyone has the right to run for office and that it is a democratic principle that must be respected. He stated that Bouteflika, a former moudjahid, has the right to present himself to the electorate and that the people will ultimately decide. Sellal's comments reflect the government's stance on the issue, amid growing opposition to Bouteflika's candidacy.
According to Sellal, Bouteflika's candidacy is a popular demand. He claimed that the people have asked Bouteflika to run for office, and that the President's popularity has been increasing since 2014. Sellal cited the large number of signatures collected and the crowds of people from diverse backgrounds who are supporting Bouteflika's candidacy.
Sellal highlighted the broad support Bouteflika has received from various political parties and organizations. He stated that the four parties in the alliance - the FLN, RND, TAJ, and MPA - are supporting Bouteflika, as well as 20 other parties not represented in Parliament. Sellal expressed his gratitude to these organizations for their support.
Sellal called on the associative movement to participate in the national conference, which he said is not exclusively for political parties. He emphasized that the conference aims to consolidate participatory democracy and that citizenship is both a right and a duty. Sellal encouraged citizens to take part in the conference and support Bouteflika's candidacy.
The announcement of Bouteflika's candidacy plans comes at a critical time for Algeria. The country is experiencing growing protests against the President's potential fifth term, with many Algerians expressing concerns about the impact on the country's democracy and stability. Sellal's comments reflect the government's efforts to address these concerns and promote Bouteflika's candidacy.
Sellal concluded by expressing his confidence in Bouteflika's ability to lead the country forward. He stated that with the support of the people and various organizations, Bouteflika's candidacy will be successful. Sellal's comments reflect the government's optimism about Bouteflika's chances of winning re-election.
Key points
- Bouteflika to submit candidacy on March 3
- Sellal cites popular demand for Bouteflika's candidacy
- Broad support for Bouteflika from various parties and organizations
