Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on Wednesday appointed a panel to amend the country’s constitution to give parliament and the judiciary a greater role, reported Reuters.
The panel has been tasked with preparing draft proposals for the revision of the constitution. The move is aimed at helping end a months-long political crisis in Algeria.
Ahmed Laraba, who is a member of the UN International Law Commission, has been made the head of the panel that comprises of 17 Algerian law experts, according to a statement of the President’s Office. The panel will consider all aspects of state organization and review the role of parliament and the judiciary to promote the rights of citizens.
As per a source, the panel has been given a three-month period to submit proposals to the president for the parliament’s approval before heading to a referendum.
President Tebboune has reportedly outlined seven main points for the panel to prepare the proposals, including strengthening the rights and freedoms of citizens and consolidating the separation and balance of powers.
Tebboune was elected as Algerian president last month to replace veteran leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who was forced to step down in April amid massive protests. The protests have continued since February when then-President Bouteflika, who had served as president for 20 years, announced he would be seeking a fifth term in office.
Even after Bouteflika’s exit from the political scene, the protesters have been consistent with the protests demanding a complete political overhaul. The protesters opposed the election, arguing that any vote held while the old elite still held power was illegitimate, and tens of thousands still demonstrating each week have rejected his offer of dialogue.
The Algerian President has also promised measures to diversify the oil-reliant economy by encouraging investment in non-energy sectors with the aim of reducing imports of food and other goods now costing over $40 billion annually.
