- Algerian parliament has endorsed a constitutional amendment to end presidential term limits, a move paving a way for president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to run for a third term in 2009 general elections.
A joint sitting of Algerian national assembly and senate voted 500 out of 529 on Wednesday to adopt five changes to the constitution. Twenty-eight voted against the changes, while one person abstained, reports said.
Supporters of Mr Bouteflika said he is best placed to continue to rebuild Algeria, which suffered a civil war in 1990s that claimed more than 150,000 people during the conflict.
Mr Bouteflika's political allies have appealed to president to run for another term, saying that he is the only candidate who possesses enough skill and international weight to preside over the country.
"This is a historic day for Algeria," said president Bouteflika in a letter read to lawmakers after the vote broadcast live on national radio, stating that reform will enshrine democracy and durable institutions.
Opposition politicians have rallied against making changes to the constitution, saying that presidential office already has broad control of the courts and legislature.
Critics said reform was a step away from democracy and favoured political and military elite that have long held power in this oil- and gas-rich North African country.
They said changes should have gone through a national referendum rather than parliament, which is strongly allied with the president.
They also viewed decision to go through parliament as a sign government knew the measure would not muster popular support.
Reports said several opposition leaders have boycotted legislative elections because of widespread fraud allegations, while others said a huge recent salary increase for lawmakers helped smooth passage for elimination of two-term limit.
The 71-year-old president, a veteran of Algerian politics, was first elected in 1999.
Mr Bouteflika has overseen a return to relative peace, though there has been a series of suicide bombings over last two years blamed on militants linked to al-Qaeda.
Algeria is a major producer of oil and gas and has launched an ambitious economic development programme using profits from sale of hydrocarbons.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español