For these reasons Hamrouche will not run for office

The decision of Algeria’s former head of government Mouloud Hamrouche not to run for office in the presidential elections due to be held in April raised questions as some believe that the military institution decided for the “president candidate.”

Hamrouche follows his political rule according to which he does not run for office if the Army’s candidate is involved. In 1999, he withdrew from the presidential elections along with six other candidates.

He is expected to held q press conference on Thursday in Algiers to officialise his decision.

Leader of Algeria’s MSP party Abderrezak Mokri  Wednesday said Hamrouche would have learnt or been convinced that the military institution decided to support a candidate believed to be Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

“Hamrouche follows a rule which says he does not compete with any candidate supported by the Army. He said that many times. As he decided not to run for office, that means he is convinced that the Army has its own candidate in the next elections,” he told Echorouk.

He believes that there will be no real competition in the elections and some candidates may withdraw.

Sadek Bouktaya, a member at the FLN’s political office said Hamrouche’s absence in the elections is “political wisdom.”

“Hamrouche is a national man and a war veteran and thinks well before making a decision. Because of that, I don’t think he will face another war veteran: President Bouteflika,” he told Echorouk.

Speaking about doubts surrounding the elections credibility, he said the number of candidates is estimated at more than 100. “Because of that, Hamrouche’s absence will not have an impact.”