Presidential elections: President’s Alliance broken

When President Abdelaziz Bouteflika amended the 1996’s Constitution, civil society and popular organizations “begged” him to run for office for a third term. He found himself surrounded by war veterans, martyrs’ sons, businessmen, Islamists and zaouia cheikhs. Five years later, some of those people withdrew their support.

Zaouias surprised public opinion observers as the National Union of Zaouias led by Mohamed Chaalal and Alaouite Zaouia led by Khaled Bentounes announced their impartiality towards all the candidates and called on people to vote.

This position provoked other branches of zaouia. The National Organization criticized Chaala for conducting a “coup against the president.”

After a long silence, he changed his position and told the public TV channel he supports Bouteflika and remains faithful to him.

Earlier, the National Organization of War Veterans announced that it will remain neutral. A day after, its president Abadou said he supports President Bouteflika.

The Forum of Enterprises’ Chiefs has entered in conflict for weeks. Some members wanted to support Bouteflika for a fourth term and others did not want to enter into a “restricted electoral game.”

Salim Ottmani, the owner of Rouiba Group resigned and submitted a letter to the Forum’s president to explain the reasons behind his decision. A number of the Forum’s members shared his position as a record number of members did not attend a meeting about the elections.