What are chances left for Algeria’s consensus constitution?

Will Algeria be able to reach a consensus constitution as Principle Private Secretary at the Presidency of the Republic, Ahmed Ouyahia finished consultations with political partners with the absence of opposition parties?

Elected for a fourth term, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said in his inauguration speech that he has a “strong will” to reopen “political reforms workshop to come up with a new consensus constitution.”

Ouyahia was assigned to lead consultations over the new constitution.

Yet, things did not happen like the plan. Political parties and national personalities who attended the consultations were all representing the government’s façade.

The consultations were boycotted by Islamic and democratic opposition parties except FFS, some small national parties which are part of the Democratic Transition Coordination and Change Pole and eminent politicians such as Mouloud Hamrouche, Ali Benflis and Ali Yahia Abdenour.

Former communication Abdelaziz Rhabi believes that the consensus constitution has become a past event as the most eminent opposition parties and national personalities.

“I don’t think that we will reach a consensus constitution because it should have come from a national consensus,” he told Echorouk.

Algeria’s ambassador to Spain believes that politicians feel that President Bouteflika wants to gain time through the constitutional amendment project.

“President Bouteflika wants to create a political workshop with the fourth term slogan so that public opinion will be busy with it,” he said.

Salim Kelala, political sciences and international relations professor at the Algiers University said there is a chance for a consensus constitution but it depends on a political will from the government and opposition parties.

“Hopes are still there but is there any will?” he wondered.

“There is a need for political will. If necessary, the consultations should continue even if we will wait for longer. We must not be limited by certain agenda because it is about Algeria’s higher interest,” he added.

He called on opposition parties to bear their responsibility, saying the Democratic Transition Coordination and the Change Pole should give alternatives and not just criticizing.