Despite his infirmity, Bouteflika is set to run again in April for a fourth term. The ruling elite is bereft of political or economic ideas
Inconceivable though it seemed only a few months ago that the enfeebled, 76-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika could stand again after his stroke, that is exactly what he is likely to do (AC Vol 54 No 15, Leadership in limbo & Vol 54 No 19, Boutef's miracle return). The presidential elections will take place in April. Provided he makes it to the vote, Boutef is virtually certain to win. That he can come back, almost literally, from the dead says much about Algeria’s domination by le Pouvoir, the small elite consisting of military and security leaders and their political and business allies. They show no inclination to devolve power, despite huge public scepticism about the electoral process and the wider political system.
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