Algeria: Reviewing of higher state functions prohibited to those with dual nationality

The President of the Republic, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has decided to revamp the text of article 51 of the draft Constitution, after the latter raised a bitter controversy among the members of the national community settled overseas.

As a matter of fact, numerous competent Algerian figures established abroad, with a dual nationality eagerly wishing to participate in the development of the mother country, feel excluded, and that is why the President of the Republic brought salvaging alterations to this contentious article by adding a new paragraph to it.

And as a result, a law will now determine the list of the highest offices of the State to which the Algerians with dual nationality will have access to.

This revised article states that equal access to functions and positions in the State is guaranteed to all citizens without any other conditions except those defined by virtue of the law.

Algerian nationality is required for access to the highest responsibilities of the state and political functions.

The enlargement of Article 51 which is in line with article 24-a, is a brand-new provision of the draft constitutional revision.

Article 24-a stipulates that the Algerian state strives to protect the rights and interests of citizens abroad in accordance with international law, and all the agreements concluded with the host country, as well as in keeping with the national legislation and those of the countries of residence.

It also ensures the preservation of the identity of citizens residing abroad, the strengthening of their ties with the nation, and the mobilization of their contribution to the development of their country of origin.

Several Parties, political figures, such Amar Saadani, Amara Benyounès and Louisa Hanoune and lawyers among them, Miloud Brahimi, had earlier called for the reviewing of this provision of the draft constitution in order to allow members of the Algerian community residing abroad to take part effectively in the ongoing national development effort.

Meanwhile, according to state minister and head of Presidency Office, Ahmed Ouyahia, this draft constitution, already endorsed by the Council of Ministers earlier this week, will be submitted to Parliament by mid February 2016.