End of consultation on political reforms ordered by President Bouteflika

21 June, 2011

ALGIERS - The political consultations ordered by the head of state Abdelaziz Bouteflika to reform his country ended Tuesday as scheduled after a month, it was learned from official sources, but they were boycotted by large opposition groups.

Senate President Abdelkader Bensalah surrounded by two presidential advisers surveyed a host of parties and leaders to hear their suggestions or demands.

"The meetings planned with political parties and personalities have been completed but the forum for consultations on the reforms will continue to work to develop a report to be delivered to the president," told AFP a source close to the proceeding.

In a speech April 15, Bouteflika announced reforms in response to the wave of social and political protest that shook Algeria in the wake of the Arab revolt.

"The department held an average of three meetings per day. It has received political parties except the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD), the Socialist Forces Front (FFS) and Socialist Workers Party (PST)" said the source.

The RCD has rejected the initiative, calling it "monologue against change" while the FFS found the reforms "not credible".

Many organizations and personalities, including former head of state Ali Kafi (1992-1994) have followed their path, the latter holding that "the regime does not want real change."

The parties of the ruling presidential alliance presented their suggestions, including the National Democratic Rally (RND) of Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia in favor of a presidential term limits.

Bouteflika had removed during a partial revision of the constitution in 2008, limiting to two the number of successive presidential terms which allowed him to have a third five-year term in April 2009.

These consultations should lead to proposals. Bouteflika will present his final version, which the government will submission to the National Assembly in September.

Source: Ennahar.
Link: http://www.ennaharonline.com/en/news/6888.html.