Bouteflika... 10th president of Algeria. He was elected in 1999 and is currently on his third or fourth term. Maybe it's the fifth. He'll likely die in office of old age...
promised constitutional reform immediately upon his re-election, but not all political actors are ready to participate in the process.
Last week, some 150 political figures, lawyers, judges and human rights
When they're defined by the state or an NGO they don't mean much...
activists received a copy of the first draft. But a 13-party opposition alliance on Monday (May 19th) rejected participation in talks aimed at issuing a new constitution. According to the "Forces for Change", the initiative was a diversion from more pressing issues.
Those willing to offer input, however, must review the proposals by next month. Former Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia was tasked with heading the constitutional amendment talks, which are slated to begin in June.
The new version of the constitution introduces several changes.
The future president will not be able to serve more than two terms of office. To be eligible for the post of president, a candidate must hold only Algerian citizenship. The candidate's parents and spouse must also be Algerian citizens.
The text put forward for discussion expands the powers of the prime minister. The draft amendment also establishes freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of expression, freedom of association and the freedom to hold meetings, gatherings and peaceful demonstrations.
The state pledges to guarantee fair trials and to enforce the law on police custody, which must not exceed 48 hours.
And for the first time, the prevention of corruption is explicitly mentioned in the constitution.
However,
those who apply themselves too closely to little things often become incapable of great things...
the articles of the text do not give Tamazight the status of an official language, as had been demanded by several parties and organizations.
Opposition political figures were quick to comment on the proposed amendments.
"The only real piece of news is that the prime minister can stand in for the head of state during his foreseeable absences by signing executive decrees," Rally for Culture and Democracy leader Said Saidi said.
Mohammed Hadibi from the Islamist Ennahda party was equally critical: "Apart from the part about limiting the number of presidential terms of office, there are no changes."
"We had hoped that the governance system would be overhauled and that the powers of the judiciary and parliament would be strengthened, but these things do not appear in this draft," he added.