Africa
08:16, 18-May-2019
Algerians reject interim leaders, protests continue
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Thousands of demonstrators across Algeria took to the streets for the 13th consecutive Friday to call for the interim government to step down.
Protesters called for the resignations of interim president, Abdelkader Bensalah, and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui – both appointees by former president appointed by Abdelaziz Bouteflika days before he stepped down after public pressure.
The protests started on February 22 when lots of Algerians opposed former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth presidential term.
A police officer sprays tear gas at anti-government protesters in Algiers, Algeria, May 17, 2019. /Reuters photo
A police officer sprays tear gas at anti-government protesters in Algiers, Algeria, May 17, 2019. /Reuters photo
On April 2, Bouteflika resigned under the pressure and canceled the presidential election scheduled for April 18.
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The head of the upper house of parliament, Abdelkader Bensalah, was then named interim president for 90 days, according to the Algerian Constitution.
Bensalah has announced the organization of a presidential election within three months.
The Constitutional Council, which is overseeing the transition, was expected to issue a statement on the election process shortly. The deadline for would-be presidential candidates to collect and submit 60,000 signatures is May 25.
(Cover: Demonstrators carry national flags and banners during an anti-government protest in Algiers, Algeria, May 17, 2019. /Reuters Photo )
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Source(s): Xinhua News Agency