Division spectre haunting Islamic parties in Algeria

Algeria’s Islamic parties alluded to the possibility of boycotting the presidential elections due to be held in April if there is no transparency.

The parties postponed the announcement of their final position as their leaders gave themselves an opportunity to examine the political scene before coming up with a final decision.

Leader of the Justice and Development Front Abdallah Djaballah said his party will discuss the elections in the Consultation Council’s session in mid-February. He did announce a clear position but alluded to the possibility of boycott, saying the government did not meet the opposition parties’ request to set up an independent commission to supervise the elections.

Djaballah denied allegations that the Front held talks with other parties about the elections.

“The political scene is ambiguous as there is efficient opposition and an elite faithful to its religion and people to put pressure on the government,” he told Echorouk.

Former senior members of the dissolved-Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) could not reach a unified position toward the elections.

Hachemi Sahnouni, a former activist at the FIS said those members may announce their support to a common candidate.

According to the leader of the Change Front Abdelmdjid Menasra, a common candidate is not required as Islamic parties do not want to divide Algeria into ideological trends in conflict.

“We do not want to divide Algeria into trends in conflict. The Change Front will ally with those who have the same objectives like us,” he said.

“We will boycott the elections of the game is close and its results are decided in advance. The final decision will be made by the Consultation Council which will be held soon,” he added.

Abdelhak Benattalah, a leading member at the MSP party said its consultation council will be held on Friday and Saturday to talk about the elections.

He added that the party will ask for additional 15 days to announce its final position. “This would be enough to get clearer visions in the political scene and know about the president’s position toward those elections which seem totally different from the previous ones.”

“This continuous ambiguity is not good at all and does not serve Algeria. Opposition parties are weak because they are selfish,” he told Echorouk.

He also said the party will present either candidate, a common candidate or boycott the elections. The members of its national office Tuesday held a meeting to examine the political scene and make a report for the Consultation Council.