- Algeria's President Abdelaziz Bouteflika has officially launched election campaign ahead of April election at the first election rally at Batna, 435 kilometres southeast of the capital Algiers.
Addressing thousands at a rally, President Bouteflika called on eligible voters to vote though none of his five rivals are expected to oust him. "You have to vote, even vote against us, even with a blank vote, but vote," Mr Bouteflika said.
The elections have come under spotlight and criticisms from both the opposition and local and international rights organisations because of a controversial amendment passed in November, which allows President Bouteflika to seek a third term in office.
Well-known opposition figures have threatened to boycot the 9 April elections saying the amendment of the constitution was meant to cement President Bouteflika’s seat in power.
As part of his campaign he has promised to pursue state investment in oil and natural gas and also to fight the high rate of unemployment with US$150 billion over the period of five years, further pledging a million new homes.
Earlier this week, the presidential candidates have expressed concern over the lack of funding from the state as the election date draws near.
The run-up to the election has been clouded by violence, with several attacks waged by terror groups on security forces over the past couple of years and especially in the past few months.
The 71-year-old president, a veteran of Algerian politics was first elected in 1999. He has overseen a return to relative peace, though there has been a series of suicide bombings over last two years blamed on militants linked to al-Qaeda.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 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.
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