The Algerian constitutional council received eight presidential candidacies on the last day of submissions, ahead of the April 18 election. The candidates who filed their applications include Ali Zeghdoud, Abdelhakim Hamadi, Abdelaziz Belaïd, Adoul Mahfoud, Abdelkader Bengrina, Ali Ghediri, and Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The council confirmed receipt of their candidacies, which were submitted in person or through representatives.
Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the former Algerian president, submitted his candidacy for the upcoming election. His representative, Abdelghani Zaâlane, deposited the required documents at the constitutional council in the late evening. Bouteflika's candidacy was confirmed despite some controversy surrounding his potential fifth term in office. Several protesters have expressed opposition to his candidacy.
Other candidates who submitted their applications include Abdelaziz Belaïd, president of the Front Al-Moustakbel party, Adoul Mahfoud, president of the Parti de la victoire nationale, and Abdelkader Bengrina, president of the El-Bina movement. They were among the first to file their candidacies, ahead of the deadline. Their applications were confirmed by the constitutional council.
Some notable figures did not submit their candidacies. Ali Benflis, the former head of government and leader of the Talaïe El-Hourriet party, announced his withdrawal from the election. He cited the unfavorable climate and conditions surrounding the election, which he claimed were rejected by the people. Benflis proposed a plan to delay the election and form a national unity government.
Abderezzak Makri, leader of the HMS party, also announced his withdrawal from the election. He had conditioned his participation on the non-submission of Abdelaziz Bouteflika's candidacy. Since Bouteflika's candidacy was confirmed, Makri officially withdrew from the election. His decision was seen as a significant development in the electoral process.
Ghani Mehdi, another candidate, was unable to submit his application due to bureaucratic issues. He claimed that he was not provided with the necessary documents, including a voter card and certificate of nationality. Mehdi announced his withdrawal from the election, citing his opposition to Bouteflika's fifth term and the electoral process.
The constitutional council confirmed that it had received a total of eight candidacies, which will now be reviewed and validated. The election is scheduled to take place on April 18, and the council will announce the final list of candidates in the coming days. The election is seen as a critical moment for Algeria, with several candidates vying for the top spot.
Key points
- Abdelaziz Bouteflika submits his candidacy for the Algerian presidential election despite opposition.
- Eight candidates file their applications with the constitutional council ahead of the April 18 election.
- Several notable figures, including Ali Benflis and Abderezzak Makri, withdraw from the election.
