Algeria has finally announced the holding of presidential elections among indicators that ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika may run for a fifth term. Yet, indicators show that the king makers within the Algerian regime have not agreed on a successor to Bouteflika as the generation that has fought the liberation war passed out. Analysts deem that the contending clans within the Algerian regime want to maintain Bouteflika in power as a time buying measure in a sign that bodes ill for the country’s future. In 2014, in light of the president’s failing health, the military thought it unwise for Bouteflika to run for a fourth term. If Bouteflika runs for a fifth term, the Algerian regime will leave little hope for a transparent and peaceful transition from Bouteflika’s era to the next amid worrying indicators of dwindling oil revenues, social unrest and regional instability.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 19, 2019 15:45 UTC