Algeria's Bouteflika proposes constitutional reforms and term limit

Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has proposed a series of constitutional reforms, including limiting the presidential mandate to two terms and delegating more powers to the prime minister, Al-Sharq portal cited a government source as saying on Thursday.

Bouteflika, 77 years old, was elected to his fourth five-year term as president; although his opponents claim his fragile state of health will limit his ability to govern the country.

The president’s ailing health has raised questions about who might succeed him to rule Algeria, a major gas supplier to Europe and a key ally in Washington’s war in the Maghreb region against what it calls Islamist extremism.

Analysts believe the proposed reforms could be an effort to appease the opposition and calm fears of a possible transition if Bouteflika were to prove unable of completing his new term.

Incidentally, Bouteflika had previously cancelled the two-term presidential limit five years ago to allow himself to run for a third term.

The government source added that the Algerian president also suggested amending Article 47 of the Constitution, which includes lifting restrictions imposed on the media and parliament to grant them greater authority to question government officials.