Algeria lawyers call for formation of transitional presidential council

The National Union for the Algerian Bar Associations yesterday called for the formation of a presidential council to oversee a short transitional stage following the departure of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

In a statement reported by Anadolu, the lawyers proposed a roadmap to exit the ongoing crisis, which started on 22 February when millions took to the streets and called for an end to Bouteflika’s rule.

The lawyers proposed the suspension of the current constitution, “which hinders organising credible presidential elections,” and announced a special constitutional decree for the transitional stage.

In addition, the lawyers also called for a technocratic government to run the country, carry out elections and establish an independent elections commission to oversee prospective elections. At the same time, they called for their colleagues who hold judicial positions in the state to open an urgent investigation into the country’s corruption cases.

Algerian radio: Constitutional Council did not meet to decide Bouteflika’s future

Last weekend, opposition factions called for the formation of a credible, technocratic presidential commission to oversee a six-month transitional stage.

On Tuesday, the army’s Chief of Staff Ahmed Caid Saleh called for implementing a constitutional article which stipulates that the head of the upper chamber of parliament holds the position of the president for 90 days in case of resignation, death or inability for the president to perform his duties in office.

The temporary president must carry out elections to choose a replacement within 90 days.

Read: Army chief asks for Algeria’s Bouteflika to be declared unfit for office