New draft Constitution: two presidential terms forever

Algeria’s Principal Private Secretary to President of Ahmed Ouyahia Tuesday released a new draft constitution that would limit presidents to two terms and recognize Tamazight language as official.

The document was released in a two-hour press conference broadcast on all the national public channels.

Ouyahia said 100 new clauses would be included in the new Constitution. He justified the delay made before the release by the President’s wish to get all the society players involved in consultations. “Opposition parties were willingly absent as they consider the constitutional revision as non-event.”

Ouyahia told journalists the semi-presidential regime has been adopted in Algeria since its independence. “It will be kept as the parliamentary regime needs to revise electoral mode and go for absolute majority rather than relative majority. This would eliminate small parties and its representation in elected assemblies.”

Most important changes

 National identity essential components are: Islam, Arabism and Tamazight.

 The Algerian people faced a real national tragedy which exposed the nation to danger. Thanks to their faith and attachment to their integrity, they sovereignly decided to implement the policy of peace and national reconciliation.

Arabic is the national and official language and remains the State’s official language.

A Higher Council for Arabic Language is created.

Tamazight is also a national and official language. An academy for Tamazight will be established.

The President of the Republic is re-elected once only. The Constitution will never been revised in this regard.

 Parliament meet in an ordinary session once a year.

Parliamentary opposition position is reinforced.

Parliamentary opposition can notify the Constitutional Council about approved laws by Parmiament.

Prime Minister presents the Government’s General Policy Communiqué to Parliament annually.

Public authorities should make electoral lists available for candidates.

To establish a higher organization in charge of keeping watch on elections.

Temporary prison has an exceptional character.

To punish “political tourism” by preventing deputies from their parliamentary term.

The Constitutional Council is independent.

To encourage the construction of diversified economy.

The State will promote equality between men and women in work market.

Freedom of written and audio-visual press.