Algerians were back on streets in the capital for the 30th consecutive Friday demanding a complete political overhaul in the country, reported Reuters. They claim the protests will continue until the rest of the ruling elite follow former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in quitting power before any new election is scheduled.
The Friday protest also demanded that the release of prominent opposition leader, Karim Tabou, who has been held by the authorities since Wednesday and charged with “contributing to weakening army morale”. They are calling out for constitutional changes and reform of state institutions, seeking a transition period towards democracy rather than a quick election.
“No vote as long as the gang rules the country,” read one of the banners held by the protestors.
The term “gang” in the poster refers to interim President Abdelkader Bensaleh and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui. The Algerian prime minister is expected to resign from the post soon to facilitate the holding of elections in the country.
Last week, Army Chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Salah made an appeal to the electoral commission to announce the election by Sept. 15. The move would likely trigger a 90-day countdown to the vote.
Salah said an independent body for the organization and surveillance of the election should be quickly installed. He added that holding elections is the only way to normalize the functioning of institutions in the country.
The protests began in February this year ten days after Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced his candidacy for a fifth presidential term. The mass demonstrations forced the long-serving president to resign from the post in April.
Following the protests, the Algerian authorities have already put a number of Bouteflika’s close aides including two former prime ministers, two former intelligence chiefs, ministers and big business tycoons behind bars on corruption charges, but the protesters are calling for wider measures to overturn the old order.
