Algerian coalition opposes third term for President Bouteflika
2008-02-11
Fearing that a constitutional amendment in Algeria allowing a third term for President Bouteflika would signal a return to a one-party political system, former MPs, activists, academics and journalists have launched a petition drive to block the measure.
By Said Jameh for Magharebia in Algiers – 11/02/08
 [Getty Images] Algerians opposed to the campaign for a third term for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika broke their silence by releasing a petition against the proposal. |
In response to an initiative in Algeria to amend the constitution and allow President Abdelaziz Bouteflika the opportunity to serve a third term in office, opponents of the plan have broken their silence and initiated a petition against the proposal which they deem undemocratic.
The group of opponents – consisting of former members of parliament, activists, academics, professionals and journalists – expressed their rejection of the idea to amend the constitution in a statement published online and in the press, and launched a campaign to collect citizens' signatures of support.
Petition signatories expressed their opposition to the amendment of Article 74 of the current constitution, which stipulates that a president may only renew his term once. They say that keeping this article in its current form is necessary to guarantee democratic practice.
Opposition to the plan stems from fear of a return to "presidency-for-life" and a one-party political system. The statement depicted a grim picture of the future under such a regime: the possibility of widespread arrests, torture, deteriorating purchasing power, illegal immigration and suicide.
The authors called on all citizens to join the cause, saying that "every Algerian who opposes unilateral rule should join their efforts in order to protect democratic freedoms."
The statement said that the timing is not suitable for a constitutional amendment, and that the government should instead address day-to-day problems facing citizens, such as declining purchasing power and stagnating economic growth. The opponents stressed that steps should be taken to better implement the content of Constitution rather than amending it.
Magharebia asked one of the signatories about the issue. Mahmoud Belhimer, assistant editor of El Khabar, said: "There is no ulterior motive behind this petition which we have signed. It is just some Algerian citizens deciding to express their opinion freely in a country where its basic laws guarantee the freedom of expression and opinion."
"We just want to warn against the danger of violating the Constitution," Belhimer said. He warned against blindly following the movement to keep Bouteflika in office. "Chances must be given so that new elites who are capable of making a difference may appear."
However, Said Bouhedja, official spokesperson of the National Liberation Front, considered the document to be no more than "a cry in a valley" that would not achieve its goal, as the amendment to allow Bouteflika's bid for a third term has become a popular demand. In a statement to Magharebia, Bouhedja dismissed the ability of those signatories to rally popular support for their initiative.
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Moussa. Posted 2008-02-12
Even if in my very heart I am for him, just because he is 100 percent Algerian, I would prefer it if there weren’t a third term for our president. I would like to say that he loves his country and his people and that he would even give his life for his country. Just think about those old, corrupt fat cats who are barking behind him, all the while forgetting about what Algeria was like in 1990. If there will be a new president, then I hope he will be a young nationalist who loves his country and works simply for Algeria’s interests. Thank you
جزائري Posted 2008-02-12
I support the third mandate, may Lord protect you for us sir our president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, may God preserve you. I wish you health and wellness, hope you will remain our president. My greetings.
افريقيا Posted 2008-02-12
I am against the idea of a third mandate, not from a political point of view, but for no other reason but for president Bouteflika to preserve his dignity.
ن.العيد بشاري Posted 2008-02-12
The wise saying of our professor Mouloud Kacem: people try to find ways to survive and we are still disagreeing on how to make ablutions and is this the time to ask who will govern whom? Oh Lord protect us from the passion for responsibility. Is the image on the top the same on the local level in local councils?
ولد باه Posted 2008-02-12
Reforming the constitution to extend the mandate of his Excellency, this kills democracy, if it exists in fact, in Algeria. The rulers of Algeria should take Mauritania as example if they know.
رانيا أحمد Posted 2008-02-12
Is this what the supporters of change want? We know that Algeria is a democratic country and the people have the right to self-determination and choose the most suitable thing for his situation in the proper time. And we, if President Bouteflika chooses with determination and resolution to be a candidate for a third mandate, can trust him. As to the other side which opposes the third mandate, we can just repeat the Roman proverb saying “Changing the leader rejoices the stupid”.
NORI Posted 2008-02-12
What has he done for the average citizen so as to deserve a third term!? Have he and his government not understood congress’s lessons!? One should not try to last forever. Be an example and go down in history. That is better that trying to present oneself as something that is impossible. Learning this lesson will be seriously catastrophic for all of our plans.
IMED-ALGER Posted 2008-02-12
You talk as if Algeria has multiple parties!?
REDOUANE Posted 2008-02-12
I almost vomited last night when listening to Ammimour talk to Alhiwar. He and his FLN colleagues always present themselves as an immature group of people. As if 40 years of dictatorship has not been enough for us! So, let us ask this channel to invite some real opposition to this regime to explain themselves as well (for example, Zitout.) It needs to be known that the FLN’s ENTV, along with all their collaborators like the RND and Selme, have marginalized the RCD.
moiz Posted 2008-02-12
This is a dangerous trend and a threat to Algeria’s young democracy, for which thousands of Algerians have died. Algerians must revolt against this rotten system, which is keeping our rich and prosperous Algeria in the realm of those countries that are poor and backward. Algeria is not a banana republic; it had a lot of martyrs to achieve its freedom and independence. Bouteflika needs to respect the current constitution and leave office. He has the right to two terms, so enough already!
KADER Posted 2008-02-12
I think that this coalition is just pissing in the sand. Tell me, when have there been free elections in Algeria?
mahfoud chs Posted 2008-02-12
The problem with the reform of the constitution is not the third mandate of the president who is the least corrupt among all former presidents. The problem is the after-Bouteflika era: Algeria won’t die with the death of its president. We fear the emergence of a new dictators in power, even if the people love their president, they should look further ahead.
شكري من الجزائر Posted 2008-02-12
The Algerian people think that democracy is chaos. That was the result we achieved eight years ago. It is in a deadlock as no one -- police officers, teachers, servants, doctors or lawyers -- is respected by the people of chaos in their work. When president Bouteflika returned to the presidency, he wanted to wipe out the wounds and assuage the hatred and tumult. If president Boutefilka runs for a third mandate, we the Algerian people want to implement the stick for the disobedient.
فاروق امازيغ Posted 2008-02-12
We young people support you for a third, fourth and why not a fifth mandate inchallah. May God grant you long life and protect you for us. Long live Algeria… They caliphate, terrorism, pirates. housing, security, public relations, etc. May God assist you and we’re with you.
محمد المهدي الأغواطي Posted 2008-02-12
Anyone who has looked at Bouteflika's biography will see some great achievements which could give Algerian citizens some hope in their country's future. Even in 2000, when I returned to Algeria after an absence of 10 years, and witnessed some of the president's attitudes and despite the pessimism spread among the observers of the events, I confided to a friend that the situation in Algeria will never be resolved if it is not done by Bouteflika. My hope was and is still in this president who witnessed the triumph of national liberation. He is experienced in challenges of independence. He had Boumediene's ear and then he suffered the hardship of exile and deportation by the regime which was founded with his contribution. In my opinion, all this experience made of him the sole president who understands the concerns of young people and the ordinary citizen. During his first and second mandates, Bouteflika knew how to change conditions in Algeria with his audacious positions. They were total u-turns and they could have been withdrawn in the face of a system of checks and balances which many think weren't appropriate in all situations. For all this, I am calling president Bouteflika to be remembered in history as the president who enhanced the respect of the constitution and refused to modify it. In this case, he will be remembered by coming generations as the president whose attitude of refusing a third mandate changed the track of the democratic renaissance in Algeria. The deniers and opportunists should know that Algeria has men and women who are capable and qualified to hold the torch of responsibility and continue the path of national development. When we say these words, our rejection of a third mandate and our devotion to the constitution is not associated with the evaluation of the president or his qualifications for this post. The danger of this choice may not noticed by many people, but Bouteflika's decision in the coming period will have serious consequences for Algerian society. Consequences which will outline the future of Algeria for many years to come. So what will President Bouteflika's decision be?
ahmed Posted 2008-02-12
Good evening, Is there someone out there who can advise us if there is a website where we can sign the petition against this new masquerade?
Omar Posted 2008-02-13
A third term for the president would not change a thing in the way has been governed. It is just wishful thinking! Algeria needs a new parlementarian constitution (NOT A PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION)that should allow for the parlement to assume its leardership responsibilities. The people will certainly recognize themselves in a real and true national assembly that is responsive and accountable to the will of the people. The president should be an honorifique title, a wise man of some sort who can only advise the prime minister and the parlement. Under this arrangement, the president can be there for 3 or 4 terms provided that he/she understands his/her role. Algeria has suffered enough and for a long time.
renard Posted 2008-02-13
We support the respectable president Bouteflika if his program aims to purify the high bodies in the state, particularly the judiciary, from the corrupt group of the republic's prosecutors who abused justice and thought that they were the gods of the universe.
TOUFIK 13 Posted 2008-02-13
I would prefer the president leave the government with his head held high. Otherwise, he is going to discredit himself in the eyes of all democracies by violating the constitution and playing the games of the smugglers in our currently rotten government. Just something to think about.
kaddour Posted 2008-02-13
Bouteflika knew how to take control of the ship when it was drifting off course. He was the helmsmen we needed on our path. However, this ship, Algeria, cannot dock in complete security as the Algerians want it without him having a third term. -Kaddour, a former cadet
محمد من الجزائر Posted 2008-02-13
I am for a third and fourth mandate for our father Bouteflika, the man we as Algerians are proud of. We’re all with you. May God protect Algeria and annihilate its enemies.
محمد Posted 2008-02-14
I am against a third mandate of the president. We want innovation because the present situation is bad. We should choose someone else to improve the conditions namely the situation of public servants which is not acceptable as a result of the high cost of living. If they want to impose him by force, they have to improve the social condition of the public servant who is living a compounded hardship from the high cost of living and running after means of subsistence. While there is a class living in luxury, comfort and extravagance, they head overseas. Mr. president, where’s your authority and your controls? How is a discount of 50% in the invoice of electricity implemented in some regions in the south and not implemented in others? I am classed in this region but we are in the south of the provinces of Sehbia, and categorized by decrees in the Official Bulletin. Where’s your justice for which you will be accountable on the day you meet God Almighty? Why do you want a third mandate?
Attia2 Posted 2008-02-14
For my part, I am not against a third term for the president, but I would rather hope for a life-term which would be subject to several changes: certain members of the current executive branch who do not fulfil their commissions need to be cleaned out; corruption, which has become a right in our days, must be fought; the president must be authoritarian and take the measures needed to force out these aforementioned embezzlers in public positions; jobs for young people must be created; there needs to be freedom of expression in the true meaning of those words; the afflictions of drugs and prostitution need to be fought; and, the blood sucking importers of basic commodities and a whole plethora of other things need to be fought too. There you have it: a few of my suggestions.
Anonymous Posted 2008-02-14
In fact, several initiatives have come to light in the last couple of months. Dozens of blogs have also been opened up for this occasion. Thank you
بنت الجزائر Posted 2008-02-14
I am for a third mandate and hope that the president will succeed in fulfilling national reconciliation inchallah so that sweet Algeria is rid of the threat of criminal terrorism. The question of constitutional reform is quite a regular question but the question that remains is why haven’t those who oppose the reform of the constitution opposed former reforms as the constitution was reformed several times? Can anyone reply?
نريد التجديد Posted 2008-02-14
We want someone to takes us out of misery and revive hope in Algerian young people who commit suicide daily. We’re tired of that. And for those who love Bouteflika, may God make that love last forever. We’re really tired.
youba Posted 2008-02-14
What an absurd idea: every time an Arab president arrives at the end of his term the constitution—the very same constitution he proposed—is changed. This just goes to show to what point our leaders only fight for their very own interests. Even if he changes his term in the slightest, what will the majority of the population be thinking? They will accept this absurd idea of continuing the presidential terms so as not to return to our original situation, even though the idea of changing the constitution is in itself a return to the original situation, that is: the situation we had before the presidency.
صالح Posted 2008-02-14
I don't oppose a third mandate for president Bouteflika for a safer Algeria.
واضح Posted 2008-02-14
The torch should be given to the new generation who understands the problems of this era in which they were born…Bouteflika has good intentions but he belongs to the old generation but he doesn’t understand this generation…Bouteflika should follow the example of Putin if he believes in democracy.
djaouti mohamed cherif Posted 2008-02-14
In the name of God, a million prayers and peace be upon the most honourable and dignified messenger and prophet, my master and your master, Mohamed, peace and prayer be upon him. Salaam alaikoum. I begin my paragraph with a reminder, because it will certainly be useful for you. My older brother, Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika, has given a lot and worked enormously under his flag despite difficulty. We have witnessed success with him. And as a reminder he is the Mehdi of rescue whom I have previously presented concerning the affairs of the Algerian Muslim nation. He is therefore one of the guided imams, peace be upon them. This is very important given the current conditions and the high degree of change in our Ummah. I present my recommendation of Bouteflika for a third deserved mandate in front of the nation. For the one billion six hundred millionth time, yes to a third mandate. May God protect him inchallah from every harm. My dear brother, my older brother, with all my greetings, may God grant you long life inchallah. Anyone who believes in me should follow what I do without discussion, complaint or exasperation. Yes, a thousand times yes to a third mandate for my older brother Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the Mehdi of rescue. A thousand thanks to Magharebia for its understanding. So I hope and consider that the Moroccan, Mauritanian, Tunisian and Libyan nations hope that it will be him, Jaaouti Mohamed Cherif, or Jaaouti Mohamed Cherif, the expected Mehdi, the Mehdi of Christ, the victorious Mehdi. Ilyas.
djamazz Posted 2008-02-14
I would like to make a few clarifications regarding some erroneous terminology. First, we cannot, juridically speaking, talk about a violation of the constitution, as it gives the Chief of State the right to make amendments through two processes: either through the two chambers of parliament (the National Assembly and the Senate) or through a vote for referendum. Second, no petition, whatever it may be, can validly oppose institutional prerogatives as established by the constitution. Rather, only the ballot box has this power. The shame is that the so-called “intellectuals” have not managed to distinguish between the two!!!
Abdelileh Posted 2008-02-14
Algeria needs stability 300% No need for democratic trial and error decisions just to say we are democratic. We need Bouteflika untill he is done with reforming the country. He knows the old foxes around him and is able to neutralize them. He is a international person who has revived Algeria from its isolation. If Algeria goes back being internalized again because of inexperienced presidents, than I guarantee it will become worse than in the 80s + 90s. Viva BOuteflika!!!!!!
Farid Posted 2008-02-14
In response to Moiz: Who are you to push Algerians to revolt against this system (as you call it). Bouteflika has nothing to gain by staying in office for an extra term. In any case, Algeria has been doing better ever since he has been in office. He has God’s blessings. Since his election in 1999, oil prices have continued to go up. In addition, for those who wonder where the oil and gas money are going, I can tell you that it is simply thanks to this oil money that we are getting products such as wheat, sugar and coffee imported. You have to be logical to say that Algeria is not doing anything. How should you go about feeding 33 million people? It has to be said that our compatriots rely on the state heavily for their livelihood, as they have been accustomed to a one-party regime where the state did everything for them. Now — and Bouteflika has said this multiple times — we need roll up our sleeves and get working. It need not be forgotten that in recent years Bouteflika started the construction of one-million residences. And, for whom did he do this? He has also given 50 million for people who build their own houses. There is the East-West Highway (more than 1200-kilometres long) and the Plateaux Highway (more than 1300-kilometres long), not to mention the 23 dams being built and other major construction sites. Do not go blowing your mouth off! Moreover, do not forget Tunisia: their president has been there for over 20 years and they are politically stable. We are no better than they are. So, keep your advice to yourself. The people are not fools; we know that Bouteflika bothers people. But, we need to keep him around. In Morocco, it is the King who governs. No matter which party wins the election, they just change their façade; it is not like Spain, Sweden or Britain. Thank you
MOMO 13 MRS Posted 2008-02-15
Bouteslika is part of the system. What we need is a radical change from the rottenness of this mafia government, which sucks the blood of the poor. We want a real democracy, but this is an impossible dream in Algeria.
IBTISSEM Posted 2008-02-15
We need another revolution for independence! Help us!
HAMZA DE 75 Posted 2008-02-15
Bravo! This is reassuring. There are still men and women in our dear Algeria which we thought we was lost. We should not be cowards; there is strength in numbers. We are with you, here in France and Europe. I am a doctor in France.
djida Posted 2008-02-15
A third term for Bouteflika and his heads of state would be a sort of act of defiance against the Algerians. At this moment, all the ingredients are there to set off a disaster like that of Kenya: theft, aggression, kidnapping, falling purchasing power, banditry, large-scale embezzlement (including that at the hands of the Housing Minister and dean of a university), incompetent leaders and riots. Where is Algeria headed? -Mr. Boudiaf
MED-ALI -MONTREAL Posted 2008-02-15
This government is unyielding. So long as they have soldiers running around both in good times and bad, Algeria will make no progress at all. These poodles need to go back to their crates and let competent people do their work. They have depleted the people’s money. They have organised the massacre of hundreds of young people, killing them in cold blood with a bullet to the head in the army’s cellars; just because they made some simple, slanderous denunciations they are now withdrawn. What horror! Algeria will never return to what it once was. Alas, this country I love so much, this country of 1.5 million Martyrs, is currently in the hands of bureaucrats who had nothing to do with the country’s independence.
HB Posted 2008-02-15
All the world’s scum only leaves political office with a coup d’état or when they die.
مواطنة أكاديمية Posted 2008-02-16
The imporant isn’t a third mandate, because I love Bouteflika, who at least returned Algeria's dignity. The problem isn’t with Bouteflika, it is with those who destroy Algeria in the name of Bouteflika. The problem is with those who compare every Algerian individual to Bouteflika. The problem is with the rotten government system which presents a false picture about Algerian citizens. I like the opposing comments of brother Belhimer. But I would say that you have spread awareness among intellectuals, and an enlightened awareness which uncovers those who are responsible for the Algerian system, but sometimes I'm concerned about you and your children, the robbers don’t leave you in peace. The rotten caravan goes and the dogs bark. The problem is with those who will succeed Bouteflika. Who will run the Algerian regime??? I want to ask you a question, has Algeria truly taken its independence????
ben Posted 2008-02-16
At the very moment when Algeria is calling for foreign investment and tourists, the FLN gives them this image by going and changing the constitution like an old shirt. What kind of reputation does this give us? This reminds me of Syria. We do not even respect our own laws. What a shame! May God protect us!
kaddour Posted 2008-02-16
Regarding this coalition against a third term for President Bouteflika, I would like to note that among this opposition group there are former parliamentary officials. I respect them for their point of view, but I would like to ask them to please provide us with an explanation for why they are acting as they are. Or, is it sufficient to remember that it was just yesterday that you were hiding all nestled up in your beds, snoring and sleeping. Snore!!! All the while, the ministers were holding you accountable year round, in winter and summer. So, have a little ... Messrs. "DIBITIAS"
must Posted 2008-02-16
There are no photographs here, yes for a third term, let us indeed not forget the 1990s. Thank you
فارس Posted 2008-02-16
I don't agree with a third mandate in spite of what was presented by Bouteflika for the security of the country.
juba Posted 2008-02-16
To return to our writer, Mouloud Feraoun, he said that “our enemies tomorrow will be worse than those of today.” This reflection was made in the midst of the Algerian war. Today, we have just verified what Ferouan said yesterday. This Bouteflika of ours, this power-sick man, wants a third term. I must ask, in whose name does he deserve this? This usurper of the government, driven by the desire for revenge after having crossed the desert to come to power, has poisoned this beautiful country, and the only cure is the people. Everything points to catastrophe: he decided to amend Article 74 of the constitution just to stay in power and he is backed by organisations of circumstance and chief organizer Belkhadem. This is the same man who was received in 1992 by Iran’s ambassador in the USA, and, in the course of their discussion, this vermin promised an Islamic republic in the near future. Know, Belkhadem, that you will never attain your goal so long as there are free men and women in this country. You have succeeded in turning this constitution into a prostitute, violating it every time you dare speak. Belkhadem, Bouteflika and Zerhouni, you are nothing but traitors and you should well know that these people—the same people who face the colonial machination and, later, terrorism—will finish by facing you! I promise a great revolt to forever rid our dear country of you. Long live Algeria!
محمد Posted 2008-02-17
The third mandate is wrong; the rotation of power is absent. I see that the third mandate is like a time-bomb which will blow up in the society with the miserable conditions of the Algerian people. I think that the intervention of the army and the declaration of a state of emergency is the best solution.
KHIERA Posted 2008-02-17
Why don’t you do this sort of thing in Morocco!? It would do a lot more good there than here in Algeria. No! Look at Sefrou, where thousands of Moroccans are imprisoned and tortured. They have been atrociously imprisoned since 1999. And, the civil war caused an embargo to be imposed that led to our country’s failings. But, your country has been stable ever since 1900. What have you done? Explain to me what the Years of Lead were? What is left of the Moroccan economy? Um… Well… Nothing!!! Indeed, Hassan II sold everything off to the multinationals.
ALGERIE LIBRE Posted 2008-02-17
In response to Farid: You would have us support a presidency for life or, rather, a monarchy under the throne of Bouteflika I and his “baraka”. Thank you for your advice, and if possible, to satisfy you, do like Bokassa, the first head of the Court of Beringo in the Central African Empire. But, who do you take the people of Ben M’hidi, Abane as well as a plethora of other places for? Do not stick us with your complexes, please!
roumaissa Posted 2008-02-18
Salam alaikoum brother believers. Firstly, I pray for the mercy of the souls of our faithful martyrs on the occasion of the national day of the martyr which coincides 18/02 every year. In the name of God, I am with a permanent mandate for the greatest supporter Abdelaziz Bouteflika. May God grant him long life. We pray for forgiveness for Sir Abdelkader the revolutionary. Salam.
NADIR Posted 2008-02-18
I am addressing myself to Hadja Kheira: I tell you, every time you have problems, you blame Morocco. It would seem you have some sort of complex with regards to Moroccans. You are acting like we are enemies. Rather, it is you who are creating problems for other, like the deal with the Sahara. So, try to be nice, leave us alone, and mind your own problems.
Hamza Posted 2008-02-18
You are part of this rotten system, and you defend it because you profit from it, on the backs of the poor! We would be better off without you. Leave Algeria; you have betrayed the memory of the Mujahideen!
djida Posted 2008-02-18
People are fed up. The straw has broken the camel’s back. Today’s Tindouf as well as in several localities in the very recent past resemble October 1988. Our authorities must be stricken with amnesia. There are even some who are talking about a fourth term. Furthermore, at this time, Mr. Bouteflika is in the USSR solving the problem of the MIG-29’s of all things and is preparing for the Nobel Prize.
AHMED-bab.o 16 Posted 2008-02-20
I completely agree with Nadir, but we should not group everything together, that is: the government and the Algerian people. It needs to be said that, in its arrogance towards its neighbours, it is the Algerian government that is opposed to the building of the Grand Maghreb. This government is looking for whatever means possible to divorce Mauritania from Morocco. When the president came to Tunisia, it was just as a sign of recognition. It is shameful to behave in this way. I have a brother, a high official, and his colleagues ousted and rejected him because he refused to wheel and deal with them. Frankly, I tell you that Algeria is on the verge of collapsing and soon we are going to support an enormous social explosion. Corruption is raging everywhere, from the simple minor officials to the ministers.
Anonymous Posted 2008-02-20
Kheira = Polisario!
FATIHA Posted 2008-02-20
How can you want the Arab countries to progress with this backwards mentality like Kheira and Taous have?
Walid Posted 2008-02-22
Hello Everybody, I already expressed my objection reforming the constitution, especially article 74. It must be said that Bouteflika has already held two mandates and his level of performance has not met expectations. He is old and sick, and if our treasury is better off today, then it is simply because of $100-barrel oil revenues. (98 percent of Algerian resources come from hydrocarbons.) On the other hand, the people are becoming impoverished thanks to the high cost of living and taxes (for example: property and business taxes, automobile taxes, taxes on goods and value added taxes.) This is a French-style system of collecting fortunes without any redistribution. So, I tell you, beware, this is all going to explode overnight.
امازيغي حر Posted 2008-02-22
I’m surprised at some noisy crows which see in the third mandate a rescue for Algeria. Without hypocrisy or deceit, what has the president done, he made of regionalism a currency and religion for his government and every bad person appeared to be competent. Young people become a bait to fish; he took out sheikhs from their coffin to govern the intellectual class with their ignorance as if there are no men but them after they pushed the best nationalist to immigration or silence. He used the money of the nation without monitor; injustice became the master in his justice which he spoilt instead of reforming. He cares for himself before wishing the good for this country, I won’t be a drummer, what he took is enough for him and his tribe. Leave Algeria, it is good without him. We need a president in his fifties who respects the people and constitution and swears on its respect, then he would like to reform it as the president wants to do and he won’t because as the obscurantist power was stopped, anyone who wants to revive the one-party and dictatorship will be stopped and doomed to failure because as young people confront the sea with death boats will confront anyone who will touch the achievements of October 88 which will remain the triumph and eternity to everyone concerned about his country and won’t be like the deaf in a wedding, and won’t gage his country in the hands of a dying old man, won’t put it in the hands of opportunists whose aim is to eat the pickings left by their lords. I will be happy if he received a Nobel Prize because this is the only prize where there are no hypocrites and opportunists.
Algérie pour tous Posted 2008-02-22
I am responding to your “clarification”, Mr. Djamazz: You do not need to remind us of the president’s right to change the constitution; all Algerians already know about this. Rather, it is illegal to change the constitution solely out of personal interests just to take power for life. There are a great many things to change in this constitution, but this is not being done because it is only in the interest of the country and its people and it would guarantee Algeria a real democracy. Mr. Djamazz, the changing of the constitution by a parliament elected by only 30% of our universal electorate is illegal because the assembly itself is illegal: it does not represent the Algerian people. It is thus quite clear that this is in violation of and in regression against the building of a democracy. -Sincerely
khiera Posted 2008-02-22
“And proud of it!!!” You animal! The law is not to be trampled upon! Why don’t you go sell your soul??? Boumediene (rahmatoullah) will materialize during his lifetime like he wanted even if it takes 132 YEARS, the Western Sahara will be independent and the borders will open. There you have it, Kheira, you 100 per cent, Polisario, SADR.
david Posted 2008-02-24
Leave Algeria in peace, Mr. Bouteflika.
backouche Posted 2008-02-26
I would rather the president give up the idea of a third term. This is unconstitutional and it disrespects our future generations. Those who are applauding this third term now are just doing so because it is in their own interests and not in the interest of the entire country. The people now need someone who will protect them, give them dignity, and conduct themselves in the greater interest of the country and open up all available opportunities without complicating things.
baraka Posted 2008-02-26
Every country has made progress but Algeria; it is backsliding. I do not know where the fault lies!!!??? Maybe the majority knows, but they do not dare say it. If this great people accept to give the right-of-way to those who want to stomp down our constitution in order to have a third term, then it means we will necessarily be waiting for worse in the future. And, no one can point the finger when the ballot boxes go empty.
mansouri Posted 2008-02-27
What purpose would a third term have? In any case, he is like a weather vane, turning whichever way the wind blows. He has forgotten that there are people dying of hunger in this so rich country. –Hchouma
mohamed Posted 2008-02-27
In Response to Baraka: The failure is yours. Everyone—the people, that is— is on the move, looking forward, while you march backward. That is why you do not see what is going on in front of you.
كمال بن سبع - باتنة- Posted 2008-02-28
In the name of God, peace and prayer upon the messenger of God, the support of the Algerian people, and asking our father his Excellency the president of the republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika to reform the constitution namely article 74 which will enable him to go on with his program which gave a strong boost to the Algerian people who have undergone many crises and thanks to God and thanks to the experience of our dear president Abdelaziz, hope is restored again and the process of development, peace and security was relaunched…we ask God Almighty to grant long life to our dear president…Salam.
reda Posted 2008-02-28
What an alarming stance! Beware Algerians, while we are in the full and happy days of oil, we still see the effects of poverty and unemployment attaining a level more serious than in Tunisia or even Morocco, a country without natural resources. We must revolt against Bouteflika, no question of financing arms in Tindouf while the country is drained of billions upon billions in hydrocarbons. Wake up, Algerians! It is now or never that we can have a good, clear conscience. Above all else, do not be idiots or suffer from a jealousy complex against your neighbours. Look at yourselves, you are in the crap and you need to take care of this as soon as possible, or, it would seem, after the oil is gone Algeria will become like Benin or the Ivory Coast.
baraka 2 Posted 2008-02-28
So long as there is the FLN and its by-products, there is no need to wait for a change.
Merzak Posted 2008-02-29
Most of these bureaucrats posing as Algerians in order to insult to the president are only Moroccans in the General Services to make us think there is a trend of pro-Moroccan thinking. If it so happens that there are true Algerians among these correspondents, then they are most assuredly individuals devoid of any dignity. There were also supporters who played the “French” card during the war for independence, and, today, the very same French humiliate them. Men without character and without honour exist in all eras: there are proud and distinguished Algerians and then there are the traitors and bastards. In any case, the overwhelming majority of Algerians are of good blood, meaning: proud and worthy of belonging to the Algerian race. We are proud of our Algeria and ever more so with every day God brings us.
berra Posted 2008-03-01
I am against a third term, even if it was the Prophet himself. The constitution is clear, precise and to the point. There is nothing more to say. First off, the president still has not announced his intentions. However, there is not reason not to doubt this: “There is no smoke without a fire.” He truly does want a third term. It is time to tell him “Enough already!” and moreover “It is time to go!” Any time to find you have overstayed your welcome, you go home. So, Mr. President, it is time that you go home! Furthermore, you do not have stunning history. Let democracy do its job; there is no place for totalitarianism here.
LIBERTA Posted 2008-03-02
It is true: our president has done a great job of creating stability and an open market, except that we have lived through ten years of bloodshed! Who lifted a pinky for the Algerian people? No one! Zip, zilch, nada. Yeah, and this is called a “blessing”!? Come on! Frankly, it was war that made this “blessing” with all the instability it brings with it throughout the world. As of late, Bush, the Texan cowboy, has brought oil prices up past $100 a barrel! And we believe them when the French people say that we are the “Emirate of the Maghreb”. [expletive deleted] 1100 dinars for a barrel of oil and unemployment rates are at 40 percent? Be serious for once; don't go ranting with our neighbours. Everyone has their own problems to solve. Don’t you see that this is what they are expecting of us while building division and conflict between our Maghreb peoples? Be strong and make some progress!
RESIDU Posted 2008-03-03
Putin is out and Bouteflika is here to stay. Long live Arab democracy...
wahrani Posted 2008-03-04
Of all the presidents that we have had in Algeria, Bouteflika is the one who got Algeria back on its feet in 9 years! This is certainly just a start, but how do you make up for being behind 50 years in just 9 years!!!??? Be more lenient and give him the time to reap the fruits of his work!!! He does not have a magic wand either! You never stop criticising him, but if you were in his place, you would be worse!!! You say oil is a malediction!? In fact, if it were not for him, the Algerian people would neither have oil, nor tourism, nor an efficient education system!!! So would you want it done!!!??? God willing, all of Bouteflika’s reforms will soon bear fruit; be patient! But, if he were to stop in such good progress after only two terms, how would he accomplish this? It is not enough to judge his work: above all else he has to go along with all the ministers surrounding him, while also under the scrutiny of the Generals!!! Give him a third term, and let us judge him afterwards... Goodbye my brothers...
Walid Posted 2008-03-05
In response to Merzak: I am Algerian and I know the names of my grandparents five generations back. I did not insult the elderly!!! You can go read my passage. But, for your part, you made some insults. No biggie, apparently. We must act this way towards our Moroccan neighbours; they gave us this freedom to express our points of opinions and we thank them for it. On the other hand, there are Algerians who are firmly opposed to what is happening in our country. Open your eyes, my brother: you are a poor person living in a rich country. And, I swear to you that I have an uncle Chahide and my father was imprisoned as "nationalist member” of Mesali Hajj. And, that this name has been banned in official history should tell you something, my poor Mersak.
amarra Posted 2008-03-05
We would definitely like the new Algerian party that Rachad recently created in England to manifest itself here. It is a true opposition party and we would like to join it. We are tired of always seeing the same people and that the government has once again corrupted the satellite channels.
Merzak Posted 2008-03-06
Sir, I think you need some bifocals! I have not insulted anyone! I think, if we go by the pitiful character of all of these individuals (to whom you belong), that I was even exaggeratedly moderate. They denigrate their country and their president without the least amount scruples and without the slightest reservation, the honour and the dignity of being a citizen should impose upon them! The president is one of the symbols of the state, and we owe him profound respect! A president can always be displeasing, but we must respect the symbol. If your president displeases you for “X” reason, you have the right to express it through universal suffrage—that is: voting—and then accept the popular verdict. If you feel that the framework in question is flawed because of this or that, then this means that we cannot do better, or, in other words, there are still some steps to take. Now, there are exceptional men, able to make a difference against all odds. These are men of men, having the certain charisma it takes to climb to the greater summits. But these people are very intelligent and they respect each other. They certainly did not use foreign resources as a means to their ends. In contrast, the individuals who do not hesitate to ally with the Devil in order to strike out against their country are obviously themselves devils!... and thus traitors! It is a simple equation! As for the “poor”, you represent them superbly with your moral and intellectual disregard of yours, as evidenced by you having copied and pasted what has elsewhere been read! If you are truly a son of heroes—as you claim and, moreover, which I doubt very much—then you are a renegade. And if you had lived through the war in Algeria, you have obviously chosen the collaborators’ camp.
Merzak Posted 2008-03-06
To Khiera: Don't get worked up over these barking dogs. They do not bite; they are toothless. This is a Moroccan website that is just searching to sow discord. They pretend to be Algerians to sow their disease. These pitiful people believe they have deceived us as if we were born yesterday! The French have already acted in exactly the same way! These dimwits learned France’s lesson, but only partially; they forgot that on July 5th the French got a kick in the a.. On the other hand, we must not forget the fact that “TSA” (the online newspaper) is located in none other than Paris. Furthermore, those who run this so-called “newspaper”, which was most certainly created with French backing, are Algerian journalists who had to be tied to the Algerian justice system then in order to be able to settle in France with refugee papers. This is most definitely the case for lying articles. What a time we are living in, my sister! They are so blind, dumb, deaf and lacking intelligence. In fact, these are children of m.... Long live Algeria.
walid Posted 2008-03-10
In Response to Merzek: How can the term "bastards" be judged as anything but an insult? I did not say that I am the son of heroes, only that I am a citizen who loves his country. Our country’s future should not be tied to a man who diverted a colossal sum when he was Minister of Foreign Affairs, a man who sold a license for mobile phone servicing to his brother, Said, and the Egyptian company Orascom for a sum of $600 million and then some days ago resold it to the Lafarge group for 8.8 billion euros, a man who releases baby-killers with a *gift*. And, even if I do “cut and paste”, I deserve to be able to do this; at least I go search for real information and analyse it. After all the harm the FLN has done to the families of the collaborators (meaning: slitting their throats), I am ashamed of my country and those who participated both near and far in propagating injustice, corruption, kidnapping and prostitution. May God forgive you.
zoudji Posted 2008-03-13
My husband Mohamed loved Bouteflika, he at least recovered the dignity of Algeria. I am with a third mandate. I hope that the president will be victorious. May God protect you. I wish you health and wellness. Hope you will remain our president. ‘Say work, God will see your deeds, His prophets and the believers’. Salam.
Anonymous Posted 2008-03-14
The problem doesn’t lie in a third or fourth mandate. The president doesn’t have Solomon's ring. It is a matter of social awareness with the necessity of serious and impartial work for the martyrs of the mission. We should take into consideration that the time of petrol is fading so it is important to quicken the pace of true positive work (namely the infrastructure) when time is out, Solomon’s ring won’t save us and we will regret wasting time, our sons will insult us, history isn’t compassionate and God's will is our judge.
العرب Posted 2008-03-18
No to a third mandate.
وطني Posted 2008-03-20
Don’t forget that you are humans and are mortal. Why do you worship a person full of mistakes and who had separated all the Algerians: eastern, western, Amazigh and Arab alike?
غريب جزائري Posted 2008-03-25
Firstly and lastly we don’t want an extension or renewal of mandates. The duty is to respect the constitution, this is all. We don’t want to extend the mandates of the people surrounding the president. I hope that those who are not Algerians won’t get involved in this debate and won't write things to stir up dispute, be they Moroccan, Tunisian or anything else. Our blood is the blood of revolutionaries and we don’t laugh like women. If you want to confirm this, read the history of the revolution. We are men who change things even if they last for a long time. References to take note of: The king of Morocco rules from earth to sky, and if you think anything different, he will respond. As for Libya, his honour the colonel, it is as if he comes from the era of the Pharaohs and he is alive and governing. As for Zine El Abidine, he inherited rule immediately from the late Bourguiba, so leave the issue to us and stop dissenting. The matter concerns us alone. Oh, you sons of Amirouch, Haouass and Ibn Badis, beware of the plots and falsified writings or others. No no no to a third mandate. Yes to respect for the constitution.
خليل84 Posted 2008-03-27
Authority in Algeria, unfortunately, wants a democracy according to its criteria. How do we justify the insistence of the alliance of hypocrisy and support to the candidacy of Bouteflika to a third mandate while men and women died for pluralism. The first two mandates were all fanciful scenarios and nothing has changed. Why don’t we offer an opportunity to young people to rule and Bouteflika shouldn’t be eternal, eternity is for God. We shouldn’t be cowards because the future of the country and generations isn’t in the hands of Bouteflika. Offer an opportunity to Said Saadi and he will restore democracy to its path because his principle is clear and authority does the impossible to distort the image of the public and the people are stagnated because the present the regime has killed in them the love for the nation and the practice of its political rights.
omar Posted 15 days ago
We thank President Bouteflika and all the Algerians faithful to the principles of 1 November 1954. They did their best that Algeria might remain free of decadence and violence. As for me, I am against a third term. We need to give the Algerian elite a chance. There is a new generation that can carry the torch and ensure us the continuity, recovery, progress and development of our dear country. It should be known that the wearing down of human beings is completely natural. Humans give their most where their physical and intellectual capacities are limited. I tell you that there is a young and dynamic generation that can take the place of the people of 1 November 1954— may God bless them— and we need to trust in them to pursue this country’s development. We’ve lost enough time already. The world is changing and there is another economic environment out there. We need to get up to date and do it as quickly as possible. It is time that you take your leave in dignity and respect, just like certain other courageous men like President Zeroual, Amirat and so on did. Long live Algeria! Thank you. Bye
nono Posted 13 days ago
Personally, I would like someone to explain one thing to me: what dignity are the Algerians talking about? Either the meaning of this word has changed or the Algerians are living light-years away from reality.
BAROUDI-16 Posted 11 days ago
Politics are like drugs, you cannot give them up easily. You need a detox and a medical specialist. In this case, the doctor will be the people who have to wrest the power back through a revolution, making sacrifices to establish a real democracy. Otherwise, they have to choose their form of submission and live off crumbs.
Benaouda Posted 8 days ago
Algeria’s changes must come from Allah alone because Bouteflika, the RCD, the FFS, Hamas, FIS, Nadia, Louisa Hanoune and so on are all the same. Louisa Hanoune does not want to oppose a third mandate because she herself is securing a third term for the ANP. Said Saadi calls himself a democrat and never stops defending women’s freedom, but we have never seen his wife in public. Boudjera Soltani is funny to the point that we do not know if he is Islamist, socialist or Trotskyist. Ouyahia truly has no personality, because he knows that if he opposes the courts they will open cases against him like they did with Paradou in Hydra. Sidi Said, who looks like a bear, is this country's greatest disaster. We need a change!
SAID Posted 7 days ago
The security services here are sticking their noses into everything in order to defend this political-military power, even into Internet articles.
Jeune-soldat d'ANP Posted 5 days ago
Said; I was with the FIS, but then I abandoned these people. These people are scared. In Algeria, it is only the army that exists and functions well. That is why I became a soldier in the ANP. Long live Algeria! The sons of Algeria will always remain upright. 43 young Algerians from my school who were in the FIS became soldiers in the ANP. Praise be to God, our country and the Algerian army are popular. We are the sons of the population.
HICHAM Posted 5 days ago
If the people want to live, then they will do so, but with sacrifice. We do not need the country to be any less intelligent that it is. Move your a.... Good God!
SAID Posted 3 days ago
I hope you keep up the good work! Keep it up! It is clear that you are still young and you are not yet in the know.
Anonymous Posted 2 days ago
SAID; Whether you are aware of it our not, history changes. Forgiveness is the bridge of civilisation. We need to turn the page and build Algeria’s future. Everybody has gone through these difficulties (for example: Chile, Spain and so on), but, today, they are building their countries together. Did you see Spain during Franco’s time? Yet, now the country is the most developed on the planet. The same goes for Portugal. So, it is time to forget and to build this African pearl together. Let us forget the FIS and GSP terrorists; they are just bloodthirsty and know nothing of Allah or mercy. They only know how to kill.
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