Hundreds of Algerian students rallied in front of the headquarters of the National Commission for Dialogue and Mediation in the national capital of Algiers on Tuesday, demanding a complete overhaul of the country’s socio-political system. The anti-government protests were carried out in the cities of Algiers, Oran, Annaba and Bejaia.
According to Sputnik News, the students chanted slogans rejecting the calls for a presidential election and demanding removal of the symbols of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s regime. They were also holding banners calling for the release of public freedom activists.
The protesters called out the current interim government, headed by the Head of State Abdelkader Bensalah, to hand over power to the civilians. They have rejected the National Dialogue Panel established for organizing presidential elections in the country.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s army chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah attacked the opposition on Tuesday, accusing them of malicious intents and working for foreign powers, reported Algeria Presse Service (APS).
Salah said the military institution will not allow anyone to damage the reputation of Algeria and will strongly and rigorously face all hostile parties. He emphasized the “immutable” positions of the military institution that “will strongly and rigorously face the band, its acolytes and those who revolve around it.”
He renewed his call to form the independent national commission to prepare, organize, and monitor the elections as he believes elections will let the people of Algeria choose a president of their choice.
After serving as the President for two decades, Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigned in April following a series of anti-government protests. After Bouteflika’s resignation, his close ally, Parliament Speaker Abdelkader Bensalah, was appointed as the role of head of state for 90 days, as provided for by the country’s Constitution.
The presidential election was set to be held on 4 July, but it was postponed over a lack of candidates, while a new date has not been set.
