Fourth term raises controversy among imams

Imams’ Coordination said it supports canidate Bouetflika for the presidential elections due to be held in April while chairman of Imams’ Independent Council criticizes it for seeking interests to the detriment of imams.

The Coordination’s president Hadjimi told Echorouk Algerian imams support President Abdelaziz Bouteflika for a fourth term either he is ill or can not stand up. “Illness is not something wrong as long as Bouteflika is still conscious.”

He also the imams’ union will participate in the next electoral campaign for the president candidate.

“Imams are free in choosing their president candidate for a fourth term,” he added.

He also said imams want to maintain stability and avoid what happens in Egypt or Libya.

Asked about mosques’ role in the president’s electoral campaign, Hadjimi said mosques and Friday’s sermons will not be exploited for political purposes. “We have the right to support candidate Bouteflika.”