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Algerian opposition leader shares views on upcoming elections

Abdelmadjid Menasra, head of Algeria’s opposition Front for Change, gives Al-Monitor his thoughts on the upcoming presidential elections and President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's prospects.
Abdelmadjid Menasra, leader of the Islamist party Front of Change (FC), casts his ballot during parliamentary elections at a polling station in Algiers May 10, 2012. Algerians voted on Thursday for a new parliament that officials say will bring democracy to a country left behind by the "Arab Spring" revolts, but many people showed their scepticism by abstaining. REUTERS/Louafi Larbi  (ALGERIA - Tags: POLITICS ELECTIONS) - RTR31UYV
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The situation in Algeria, just weeks before presidential elections scheduled for April, is confusing. Abdelmadjid Menasra, leader of the opposition Islamist-affiliated Front for Change, met with Al-Monitor to share his views on the current environment.

According to Menasra, “The recent events in Algeria have to do with the elections, and they are the result of the absence of the president [Abdelaziz Bouteflika] from the leadership of the political scene because of his health. The president has yet to specify his position on whether or not he will run in the elections. Thus, there was a vacuum that some supporters of a fourth term [for Bouteflika] tried to fill. But they did this in a wrong way and were struck by confusion as the deadline for announcing candidacies approaches.” 

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