Algerians took to the streets on Tuesday to protest against a presidential election called for December. The protests have been going on since February initially against veteran president Abdelaziz Bouteflika bid for a fifth term. After Bouteflika stepped down, the protests continued weekly protests on Tuesday and Fridays demanding a complete political overhaul.
“We will not vote until the regime men are all removed,” chanted hundreds of protestors marching against elections, reported Reuters.
They also chanted “We will not stop our protests” and “civilian state, no military state”, as they demand the resignation of both Interim President Abdelkader Bensalah, and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui.
Tuesday’s protest follows the election announcement made by interim president Bensalah on Sunday. Amid pressure from Army Chief Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaed Saleh, Bensalah announced the presidential election has been scheduled for December 12.
The Algerian protestors have maintained they are not opposed to elections. But, they believe that any leverage they have against the current regime will fade away after a transitional period is over. Furthermore, they believe any elections held now will bring back the ‘Old Guard’ comprising of Bouteflika’s corrupted close aides who have been ruling the country for decades. The protesters claim there could not be a fair vote while the old guard retains power.
To date, the Algerian government has detained a number of senior figures over corruption charges. They’ve also ramped up pressure on protesters by arresting leaders of opposition groups, with police coming out in force at protests.
Two former prime ministers, two former intelligence chiefs, eight ministers and several notable businessmen have been detained and questioned by judges in anti-corruption investigations. Two prominent opposition figures, namely Karim Tabou and Lakhdar Bouragaa, were also detained recently on charges of contributing to weakening the army’s morale.
