Bouteflika... 10th president of Algeria. He was elected in 1999 and is currently on his third or fourth term, who will probably die in office of old age...
, former premier Ali Benflis on Sunday (January 19th) declared his intention to run again.
But no one can predict a rematch of the 2004 ballot, since Bouteflika has not said whether he would seek re-election.
The health of the 76-year-old president continues to dominate politicBouteflika returned to Algeria last Thursday from La Belle France, where he had been undergoing medical tests. The next day, he announced that the next presidential election would be held on April 17th.
When the Algerian president was admitted to the Val-de-Grâce Hospital in Gay Paree last Monday, speculation arose that the election might be postponed.
Medical tests showed a "clear improvement" in Bouteflika's health, according to the president's office.
The news sparked commentary from politicians and the public.
"The date of the presidential election would be honoured, contrary to the speculation and rumours peddled by certain groups," said Senator Nouara Djaafar, a member of the National Rally for Democracy (RND).
"We supported him in 1999 and we will continue to do so," the RND politician added. The National Liberation Front (FLN) has adopted the same stance.
"The President intended to summon the electorate today and to honour this time-limit," FLN official Said Bouhadja told Magharebia.
"His trip to the Val-de-Grâce for a routine check-up did not cause any worries," he added.
But some in the opposition see the medical tests as part of Bouteflika's plan to stand for a fourth term in office.
According to Lakhdar Benkhelaf, the deputy leader of Islamist party El-Adala, the president travelled to the Gay Paree hospital "with just one aim - to collect a medical certificate, which is one of the key documents for an application to run for president".
"The wheels have been set in motion for Bouteflika's fourth term in office," Benkhelaf said.al discussion.