Algeria police disperse demo against Bouteflika reelection bid

By AFP - Mar 01,2014 - Last updated at Mar 01,2014

ALGIERS — Algerian police Saturday dispersed a demonstration in the capital against ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika seeking a fourth term in office in April elections.

Bouteflika, who has been in power since 1999 and turns 77 on Sunday, announced a week ago he would seek reelection in an April 17 vote, after speculation his frail health would stop him from running.

A group opposed to a fourth term for Bouteflika had called for the demonstration online, and those taking part on Saturday included journalists and rights activists.

Protesters chanted “no to a fourth term” and “15 years is enough”, an AFP journalist at the scene said.

There has been growing concern about Bouteflika serving another term, given the physical state of the president, who was hospitalised in Paris for three months last year after suffering a mini stroke.

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