Algeria: President affirms move towards charter changes

By Abdul Razak bin Abdullah </p> <p>ALGIERS (AA) – Amid ongoing protests against his rule, Algeria’s president on Monday reaffirmed his decision to hold a national conference meant to lead to a constitutional referendum.</p> <p>In a letter reported by local media, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 82, said that Algeria is about to change its political regime and political approach with a national conference that will take “decisive decisions,” adding that it will lead to comprehensive constitutional changes that will face a referendum, local media reported.</p> <p>Last week, Bouteflika postponed the April 18 presidential election and withdrew his candidacy following weeks of mass protests against his nomination for a fifth term. </p> <p>Algerians staged large demonstrations in several parts of the country on Friday protesting Bouteflika postponing the elections, calling it an extension of Bouteflika’s fourth term.</p> <p>Last month, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated Bouteflika — who has ruled Algeria since 1999 — to run for office. </p> <p>Opposition figures have repeatedly urged the elderly president, who in 2013 was treated for a blood clot in the brain, to bow out of the election. </p> <p>