Algerian PM hints at possible fifth run by Bouteflika

By Abdul Razak bin Abdullah</p> <p><br></p> <p>ALGIERS (AA) – Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika may run for a fifth presidential term in polls slated for later this year, Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia hinted Thursday.</p> <p><br></p> <p>“We urged [Bouteflika] in June to run for another term,” Ouyahia told reporters in capital Algiers.</p> <p><br></p> <p>“Today, we began to see the light of his candle in front of us and — God willing — this [a fifth presidential run] will be achieved,” he said. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Remarking on opposition calls for Bouteflika’s departure, the prime minister added: “It is for the people to decide, every five years, whether the president stays or goes.”</p> <p><br></p> <p>Bouteflika’s ruling National Liberation Front recently began collecting signatures in support of a fifth presidential run by the 81-year-old leader, who has ruled Algeria since 1999.</p> <p><br></p> <p>On Wednesday, the Interior Ministry announced that 172 people — most of them largely unknown to the public — had registered to contest the poll, which is slated for April 18. </p> <p><br></p> <p>Some of the better-known candidates have stated their intention to withdraw their candidacies in the event the aging Bouteflika decides to run. </p> <p><br></p> <p>One exception is retired army general Ali Ghadiri, who has said that he is “ready to compete” whether or not Bouteflika enters the race.