Algeria’s Bouteflika will not run for a fifth term

Tens of thousands of Algerians from all social classes have been demonstrating almost daily against Bouteflika's decision to stand in the election

Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will not run for a fifth term, the presidency said on Monday after weeks of protests calling for the ailing leader to step down, reports Reuters.

The presidency also announced the postponement of a presidential election which had been planned for April.

READ: 1,000 Algeria judges refuse to supervise election if Bouteflika stands

A government reshuffle would take place soon, the presidency said in a statement.

Tens of thousands of people from all social classes have been demonstrating almost daily against Bouteflika’s decision to stand in the election, rejecting a stale political system dominated by veterans of an independence war against France that ended in 1962. Bouteflika has ruled for 20 years.

Algerians protest president’s bid for 5th term – Cartoon [Mohammad Sabaaneh/Middle East Monitor]

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