Algeria proposes dialogue with protesters on new political system

The Algerian government said on Wednesday it was ready to hold talks with protesters eager for a quick political change, saying it wants a system based on the people’s will after opposition groups rejected the reform proposals as “inadequate”.

The new proposal came after Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Monday cancelled his decision to run for a fifth term and postponed the elections scheduled for April. A move rejected by protesters.

“Dialogue is our duty. Our top priority is to bring together all Algerians,” Deputy Prime Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, told state radio.

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“The new system will be based on the will of the people. The participants in a conference to write a new constitution would include mainly young people and women,” he added.

However, University Professor, Fadil Boumala, told Reuters: “We refuse to negotiate a transition with the regime. No negotiations.”

“The balance of power is on our side, let’s strengthen our movement. We need to maintain pressure,” he added.

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