Arab League to monitor Algerian elections next month

<p>By Mohamed al-Rayes</p> <p>CAIRO (AA) – The Arab League will send an observer mission to monitor Algerian presidential elections slated for April 18, according to a Wednesday league statement.</p> <p>The decision was reportedly made during a meeting in Cairo between Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel.</p> <p>The mission will be tasked with monitoring the balloting and subsequent vote-counting process, according to the statement.</p> <p>Last month, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated the 82-year-old President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to run for a fifth term in office. </p> <p>Since then, Algeria has seen several anti-Bouteflika demonstrations in different parts of the country, including capital Algiers.</p>