Belhadj: Delay Algerian presidential elections

Senior leader of the Algerian Islamic Salvation Front Sheikh Ali Belhadj has renewed his call for the Algerian regime to postpone presidential elections and setup a transitional period to avoid dangerous mistakes should the elections be held at their expected time.

In a press release, Belhadj said: “Taking to the streets and organising protests does not cause disorder like regime supporters say. This is a peaceful means to express one’s opinion.”

At the same time, he expressed concerns over the intention of the army to take to the streets as they did in 1992.

Belhadj said people taking to the streets or staying home on the day of the elections is the best way for them to convey their opinion. “Algerians are well-educated and they will keep their protests peaceful,” he said.

He continued: “Violence might erupt if members of the security forces provoke the protesters.”

Meanwhile, the information committee for the Sheikh yesterday blamed the government for any potential attack against him. The committee said Belhadj was followed by a suspicious car and informed the security services about the incident.

“The Sheikh blames the authorities for any potential aggression on him and for the suspicious hunt against him,” a statement for the committee said.

The statement also accused the police of leaving the framework of their duties and turned to serve the supporters of the fourth term for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.