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March 12, 2019

Algerian Pres. Bouteflika Will Not Seek 5th Term, Delays Election
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Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced Monday he would no
longer seek a fifth term, after weeks of popular protests demanding the
ailing president step down. He has rarely been seen in public since
suffering a stroke in 2013. Algerians took to the streets to celebrate
the news.

Protester: "It's a good thing, but only if they change the government
completely. If they bring someone just like him, it's not worth it. They
have to change the whole government."

Critics of the ruling government warned that Bouteflika's announcement
that the April election would be postponed could signal his intention to
stay in power through 2019 or beyond. His announcement, read on air by a
newscaster, also said a new constitution would be put to a referendum.
Protests are expected to continue until he leaves office.


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