Algeria: Consultations on constitutional revision kick off under Ahmed Ouyahia’s guidance

The much-awaited consultations on the projected revision of Algeria’s constitution ordered by the President of the Republic Abdellaziz Bouteflika started on Sunday June 1st under the guidance of the manager of the Presidency’s office Ahmed Ouyahia.

To this effect, Ahmed Ouyahia received separately three national personalities including the CNES chairman Mohamed Seghir Babès, the head of the higher Islamic council, Cheikh Bouamrane and the leader of the Wifak movement, Ali Boukhazna as part of these ongoing consutations aimed at revamping and enriching certain provisions of the future fundamental law.

However, several opposition parties have already rejected Bouteflika’s invitation to debate the amendments as an attempt to co-opt them into a political system they say is unlikely to bring any real change.

With a question mark still hanging over Bouteflika’s health, analysts said the projected reforms may also be aimed at shoring up his allies and guaranteeing a stable transition of power should Bouteflika be unable to finish his new five-year term.

According to a draft of proposals published on Friday by the government, the president would delegate some executive decree and regulation powers to the prime minister.

In parliament, parties would be given more rights to question government officials and to demand responses. Corruption and press freedoms are also addressed.

“This will reinforce the separation of powers, strengthen the independence of justice and of parliament and affirm the role and rights of the opposition,” said Ahmed Ouyahia, Bouteflika’s chief of staff charged with overseeing reforms.

Though still divided, the country’s political opposition has mostly dismissed the proposed constitutional amendments after boycotting the April 17 presidential election which was largely won by incumbent Abdellaziz Bouteflika. They will hold meetings next month to decide on their next overall strategy.