Presidential elections spark division at FLN

Algeria’s National Liberation Front (FLN) faces a race against time ahead of the presidential elections due to be held in April. An internal conflict was triggered again following the party’s final position about the elections.

The appearance of the FLN’s former leader Abdelaziz Belkhadem on Saturday during a rally in Algiers was behind the conflict as it was unexpected.

The party’s secretary general Amar Saidani expressed dissatisfaction because Belkhadem attended the rally, saying it was an attempt to spoil it.

His opponents believe that he wants to succeed Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika if he does not run for office.

Former communication minister Abdelaziz Rehabi said the FLN’s strength is outside the party.

“The FLN is an electoral machine like the other ones used by power in different events,” he told Echorouk.

He believes that there are two trends inside the party. The first one supports President Bouteflika while the second trend is for former head of government Ali Benflis.

He added that President Bouteflika indirectly prevented Benflis from reaching power as he excluded Belkhadem and the RND’s former leader Ahmed Ouyahia once they expressed their desire to succeed him.

“Even Saidani who insists on a fourth term will support Bouteflika’s rival in the elections as he will follow the majority.