Preliminary suggestions to amend Algeria’s constitution: extension of Bouteflika terms as president until 2016

People close to Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika suggested to him to close presidential mandate and limit it to two terms with seven years each instead of five years, Echorouk has learnt.

Those “unofficial” suggestions come as part of an attempt to find a compromise if President Bouteflika runs for a fourth term in the 2014’s presidential elections. This is meant to avoid political debate and opposition.

It is also suggested to postpone the presidential elections to 2016. That means Bouteflika would remain Algeria’s president for two more years.

Sources say a constitutional amendment may come up with the creation of the position of Vice-president. A national commission is expected to be set up to prepare the new constitution. Many voices claim to appoint Algerian prime minister Abdelmalek Sellal as Vice-president while it is likely that he would run for office in the “2016’s presidential elections” if scheduled elections are postponed.

According to the same sources, Sellal started a series of unofficial “political consultations” to open door for discussion and suggestions with political parties about the constitutional amendment.

Ahmed Ouyahia who has recently resigned as the RND’s Secretary General is expected to be appointed as Algeria’s ambassador to France. The decision will be made about who would be the leader of the party which experiences an internal conflict.