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Algeria's President Tebboune declares his intention to run for a second term
[AFRICANEWS] Algeria's president announced on Thursday that he intends to run for a second term in office, five years after ascending to power as the military and establishment-backed candidate during widespread pro-democracy protests.The 78-year-old political veteran, Abdelmadjid Tebboune said in an interview to be broadcast on Algerian television that his decision came in response to support from political parties and young people. "If the Algerian people want to vote for me, that’s fine, otherwise I’ll have accomplished my mission and whoever succeeds me will be welcome," he said, lauding his record as well as the gas-rich North African country's security and stability. Tebboune has avoided declaring his intentions even after the Sept. 7 election date was set almost four months ago. Despite his demurrals, his intentions were "an open secret" and his candidacy a byproduct of discussions among the political elite, says political scientist Rachid Grime. Besides Tebboune, 34 candidates have announced plans to run in the election. Posted by: Fred 2024-07-12 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=703614 |