Algerian opposition leader presses for international election observers
2008-03-30
RCD party chief Said Saadi has returned from an international tour to solicit observers for Algeria's presidential elections next spring. Some politicians view Saadi's move as an early indication of his likely candidacy. Others oppose the measure, arguing that foreign observers call Algeria's reputation and sovereignty into question.
By Said Jameh for Magharebia in Algiers – 30/03/08
 [Getty Images] Opposition leader Said Saadi returned from meetings in France and the United States with calls for foreign election observers at the 2009 presidential elections. Some say Saadi means to present his candidacy. |
Algeria's presidential elections are still a year away, but one opposition party has already begun the battle. In recent weeks, the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) has mounted a vigorous campaign to demand election transparency and to oppose a constitutional amendment which would allow President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to run for a third presidential term.
Following a week-long tour of Europe and North America earlier this month, RCD party leader Said Saadi gave a televised interview to Al-Hurra on Thursday (March 20th) in which he called for international observers at next spring's presidential elections. RCD communications co-ordinator Mohcine Belabas told Magharebia that Saadi's meetings with French President Nicolas Sarkozy and US State Department officials were part of an effort to guarantee fair elections.
Saadi also made an implicit reference to the National Liberation Front's one-party rule of the country from independence in 1962 until 1989, warning that approving the constitutional amendment would be "a regression to unilateral thinking".
Saadi has run for president in the past and remains popular in the largely Berber Kabilya region.
Although Saadi did not explicitly announce an intention to run for president, some political observers in Algeria view his foreign tours and his call for international election observers as an early indication he will present his candidacy.
"It is obvious," political observer Kamal Amarni insisted, "that such tours are planned as part of preparations for the next presidential elections." Aside from the issue of whether Saadi's recent activity is part of an as-yet undeclared political campaign, Amarni said he felt the call for international observers to ensure transparency is valid.
"We must be unequivocal about this whole affair. Algeria is on the threshold of an important event. I think that without international pressure on the Algerian regime, it will not refrain from its infamous tricks in its handling elections of such magnitude," Amarni said.
Ahd 54 party chief Ali Faouizi Rebaine said he "does not have anything against" inviting international observers for the 2009 elections. Speaking during a party meeting last Thursday (March 27th), Rebaine stressed, however, that a national observatory commission with representatives of each candidate should be appointed before bringing in any foreign observers.
Parties supporting President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, meanwhile, opposed Saadi's call for international observers, claiming that the president has not yet announced his intention to run for a third term.
Louisa Hanoune, Secretary-General of the Workers’ Party, argued that the RCD plan will open the door to foreign intervention in Algeria's national affairs. She said the presence of foreign observers affects Algeria's reputation and sovereignty and questions its capacity to organise free and fair elections.
Apart from Ali Faouzi Rebaine, who obtained less than 1% of votes in the 2004 elections, no politician in Algeria has announced plans to run for the presidency in 2009.
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achour Posted 2008-03-31
As a young, 32-year-old Algerian who took part and voted many times over in the electoral events, I am in favour of monitoring of presidential elections. I live in the capital, and I can tell you that—and this is not anecdotal—I know people who have had their dead fathers make it onto the list of voters. We know perfectly well that the administrative machinations are driven by this mafia system. So, what is the delay!? Why not have international monitors!?
Anonymous Posted 2008-03-31
Poor Mr. Said Saadi, the secretary general of Algeria’s Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD)! He alone gives voice to Algeria’s opposition abroad. Because of the circumstances, he has criss-crossed the continents of Europe and North America. This was in order to get the opposition to declare themselves in protestation and rejection of the inhabitants of both El Mouradia palaces (one belonging to Abdelaziz, the other to Bensalah), as they are not making an effort to get the signatures needed for the upcoming constitutional amendment that would allow Bouteflika to seek a third term. According to him, this would constitute a return to a unilateral mentality. A return to this and to a single-party system is still present in Algeria. Mr. Said Saadi knew more than anyone else that the developments that opened up in October 1988 were nothing but theatrics, designed for local consumption. This only turns up the heat of the Algerian mentality that came from it. An established pluralism that guarantees just and transparent elections has never existed in Algeria. The proof is out there: the sabotage of the FIS in 1992, and, in measure, making the Algerian political field out to be in complete favour of the FLN and nothing but the FLN (the only party to give the privilege to maneuver freely under the wings of the military junta). The doctor of the RCD wants to swim against the current to convince himself alone that democracy and populism are guaranteed by the republic’s motto—“The Algerian Republic, Democratic and Popular”—which has been devised, inherited, spelled out and then died since the cold war. According to the desire of the trio of El Mouradia, there will surely be Algerian presidential elections in 2009. Nothing can change what is in the works right now in El Mouraida for this electoral failure. And, it is unacceptable to repeat this in front of your psychoanalyst. To be continued… -Chihab-25
mehdi Kaci Posted 2008-03-31
the RCD is an opposition party ??? that is news to the RCD itself!!
hoggar Posted 2008-03-31
In my opinion, the basic problem and the major challenge for the next presidential elections is, rather, the quality of candidates. Today, despite the respect that I have for Said Saadi, a real democrat, I do not think that even in these heavily monitored elections weigh in more than Bouteflika. I think it is time that Algeria’s civil society support someone who could once and for all give power to the Algerians, not to a mafia gang of soldiers and the like, who plunder the Algerian economy and who throw the honour of Algerians to the dogs. What would be ideal would be to find a candidate in his fifties who is dynamic, very competent and, above all else, courageous such that he can face these crazy, enraged dogs, who are having trouble leaving the government in Algeria. Frankly, given all the riches and assets they have, these poor Algerian people deserve a better destiny, governed by someone who is honest and has integrity, who will put Algeria once and for all on the path to development. Algeria both should be and must be Africa’s economic giant, even ahead of South Africa. Sheesh! What are we waiting for in order to remove these [expletive], who spend their time getting richer and accumulating wealth on the backs of the Algerians. It is not right that a band of thugs are taking the future and destiny of a great people and a great nation hostage. Algeria needs to rebound, needs to recuperate. Let us stop missing out on investments and offering prosperity to foreign countries. The only, single foreign cause deserving of our support is the Western Sahara. This must never be abandoned out of principle against those wished misfortune on the great people of Algeria for so long.
امازيغي جزائري Posted 2008-04-01
This envious and agent does only represent himself. He has no popularity. Long live Algeria from the North to the South and from the East to the West.
hoggar Posted 2008-04-01
What happened to my post?
BAROUDI Posted 2008-04-02
Hoggar, you always defend this rotten system. You must either be a part of it or benefit from it. Saidi is a real democrat, and here democrats and intellectuals are marginalised, both on television and everywhere else. You are happy that these generals are doing politics even though they are worthless!!!
HOGGAR Posted 2008-04-03
Mr. Baroudi; If you believe that I defend these generals’ system as you say, then it is obvious that you have problems understanding. Re-read my text and you will see that your reaction is misdirected. What I care about is the Algerian people — both individually and collectively — and Algeria as a nation, not a system, as you say. That said, we are on a website that targets the people of the Maghreb, and sometimes you need to treat things as being relative. There are those who finance certain Algerian organisations in Europe in order to encourage them to separate from the rest of the Algerian people. I make it no secret that I reserve all of my contempt for these people. What can be said about Ben Ali, king of dictators, and Mohammed VI, who never stops burning holes in his pockets while he reduces an entire people to misery and poverty that are then dealt with by the UN and NGOs. As for us, we certainly have the greatest economic butchers in the world. You see, Baroudi, and I can say this without complacency- You know that criticism is good when it is objective and relevant and bad when it becomes insipid. Happy fantasising, friend!
HAKIM Posted 2008-04-04
Hoggar; You were talking about what is going on in Algeria with these two old wolves, but with regards to the Western Sahara, I think you are wrong across the board. It is these same people who created the problem with the Libyan dictator and the communists, like the Cubans, who then withdrew. Now, we are in the [expletive] with the burden of this conflict on our back. You know, our compatriots in Oran are creating a committee to support Morocco with regards to the Sahara. Can you imagine it, I was shocked at first but then they convinced me of the reality of things. These are intellectuals and scholars and they have historical and political evidence. If you have the slightest doubt, we can meet in a café at Bab El Oued and have a discussion; I can tell that you are a guy with a good head on your shoulders.
hoggar Posted 2008-04-04
Every time I respond, you take two or three days to publish me. Is this some sort of police filtering? Or some anonymous form of censorship? I would like you to publish the reaction I made to Baroudi two days ago!
wassila Posted 2008-04-06
You are sick, my poor Hoggar! Wake up, my little one! You are wrong on all accounts. Do you believe you are a US citizen, or what? Go on, continue with your ranting, you really have got us snickering over here. Indeed, who are you trying to convince with your delirium, yourself of someone else? All the same, know that there are international forums every year that rate the real status of every country, and the last report classified Algeria as the head of the weakest countries on the planet, which is “to be under watch.” 70 points went to Tunisia and 58 points went to Morocco. I hope you can take the gravity of your situation into measure. There is no one more ridiculous than you, my poor little one. Have a little modesty; it will not do you any harm.
hoggar Posted 2008-04-06
I demand that you publish my response to the 'pseudo' baroudi. My reply was written 4 days ago, so if you do not wish to publish it, you could at least explain your reason and stop masquerading as initiators of democracy. You should have called yourselves Magharebiya of the dictatorship; we would have been warned, blah!!! Count on me to inform free men of your attitudes on other forums!
Sabrina Posted 2008-04-07
To Wassila: With regards to Mr. Hoggar, you are mistaken: he wrote the truth. If you keep well informed, then connect to our website, the University of Bremen, Germany, and it will give you and explanation about Algeria and the Maghreb. For the people of the Maghreb, Algeria is the only country able to manage a Union of the Arab Maghreb and capable of resolving the internal and external problems. (Take, for example, the matter between Iran and the USA, the problems of several African countries, the Touaregs in Mali and even the problem between Iraq and Kuwait. The Algerians would have had an 80 per cent chance that the Iraqis would retake Kuwait, if it were not for the several other Arab countries there, and that is why it didn’t work.) Algerians can solve all of their own problems alone, without the help of others. As for the question of the Sahara, the Algerians know well that the problem is in the hands of the UN. The Algerians are 100 per cent for a referendum that will bring results. We have solidarity with Palestine, with the Polisario and, in relation to Ceuta and Melilla, with Morocco. But, we know well that Morocco is not going to ask the Spanish to free these Moroccan cities. They will never do this in our lifetimes. The King is weak in his politicking, as is the army. These royalists are ruthless when it comes to their neighbours, but not against their Spanish colonisers. I hope that this website will publish my message. This website only publishes Moroccan message and messages that are very much against Algeria and the Algerian people. I already sent in several messages, but none have yet to be published. On this note, gentlemen, is this what you mean by democracy when you talk about Moroccan democracy?
Med Posted 2008-04-07
Hello Hakim, I see that you did not understand anything Hoggar said. The problem of the Western Sahara is simple, it is your leaders that complicated it. The Committee of Oran ,about which you spoke, unfortunately cannot do anything about this. This is about the application of Sahrawi people’s right to self-determination. This does not automatically mean their independence. Autonomy does not rhyme with territorial sovereignty to Morocco’s benefit. Solutions to this conflict exist— we can talk about them if you want— but Morocco insists on its proposal for autonomy, which it wants to impose at all costs and which has no chance of succeeding. -Fondly
pro marocain Posted 2008-04-07
Hoggar is severely mistaken with regards to Morocco. Moroccans are not dying of hunger for the simple reason that Morocco is an agricultural country and its coasts are swarming with fish. Your hatred of this country is blinding you. With regards to Mohammed VI, know that he has a doctorate in law and that he had internships in several international bodies. And, for the most part the Moroccan ministers are laureates from the HEC School of Management. You see, they have nothing to do with the illiterates running Algeria; not one of them has a university degree. And that is what makes the difference, and what a sizable difference it is!!!
Etaim Posted 2008-04-07
International observers were at all recent elections in Morocco, Mauritania and even Zimbabwe. Therefore, this Algerian leader is not doing anything original and this is within his right as a leader of the political opposition. P.S. The person going by the pseudonym “Hoggar” has the habit of insulting everyone on another online website. His specialty is in freely insulting Moroccans. Thank you to the moderator for sparing us these insults and especially the vulgarity.
slim16 Posted 2008-04-07
Wassila’s talk has left me perplexed. Shes hate the Algerians, and do you know why!!!??? I will tell you why, because there are those who need to understand why she attacks them with such aggressiveness and foul language!!! (Isn’t that so, Hoggar?) She said why herself in another discussion concerning this subject also on this website. In short, her father is Tunisian and her mother is Moroccan. So, my Algerian gentlemen, you will not here anything positive from this person. A word to the wise! Bye from Algiers
nano Posted 2008-04-07
Oh my! Mr. Hoggar makes demands and threats!!! The poor neurotic!!! He is completely out of touch with reality! All the same, he is funny.
ADIM Posted 2008-04-08
I am addressing this en masse to Hoggar and company: Stop with this idiocy of yours on this website. I want to tell the others that not all Algerians are misinformed, pests and egoists. These are Chaouis, and they cannot even come to an agreement amongst themselves. How can you expect them to respect foreigners!!!???
nano Posted 2008-04-08
For Sabrina and Hoggar: even with your dollars, your country hasn’t managed to get a place in the sun. No friends, no allies either. The economy and politics is with Morocco that it is discussed!!! Otherwise why are enraged to that point? Morocco: [expletive] and well! Oh Lord praise and thanks to you! The case of Algerians is mentioned in the Qur'an read Ahl AlKahf (people of the cave) and you will find out. The person who used the same thing to his neighbour…and thought that this will never end…don’t forget to count your money before you sleep! Ah! How funny these Algerians are!!!
ECLARCISSEMENT-DZ-16 Posted 2008-04-08
Oh, Sabrina; As an Algerian, I beg you not to speak in the name of Algerians: the majority of Algerians do not like the Polisario. If you are really an Algerian, then ask around. This has to do with an incompetent government and illiterate generals dishonouring us. I remind you that the people whom you are defending sold arms to terrorists in the 1990s in order to kill us with our own arms. Them the Polisario threatened us with war in the beginning of the 2000s, when Bouteflika came to power. If Algeria can never rid itself of them, then we can hasten to have the Devil take them and leave the path open to our children, who are now in school, so that they may finally free up the rooms at the university dormitories. Please, Maghrebia, publish this comment.
Nadia Posted 2008-04-08
In Response to Wassila: In my opinion, I think you should laugh instead of acting like an imbecile. You should not be a makeshift economist. A qualified economist would argue each index. It is not enough to say that one country is 70 points ahead of such and such country, you need to also explain the relevance of the numbers; these points do not just fall from the sky. In order to enlighten you, I will simply say that the indexes you are referring to were obtained in accordance with parameters selected by experts. They include a number of factors, for example: water, electricity, security, stability, politics, etc. You can have the best grade possible with regards to infrastructure and superstructure—that is to say: roads, hospitals, universities, railways—and still be classified as a weak country. All types of deviations exist. How is this possible? It is because the parameters of security, instability, threat of war and so on are considered to be crucial to matters of development. And, it is quite the opposite. Therefore, the coefficients accorded to these factors are of the most severe type: they heavily penalise all the other parameters that were for the most part graded well. The result is that you will have a country like Algeria, the second-rated country in Africa after South Africa with an annual Grosse Domestic Product (GDP) of $135 billion, classed far behind Tunisia or even Bangladesh, the poorest country in the world. The most absurd thing, though, is to look at countries like Tunisia and Morocco (since you cited your country), which do not have an economy that is benefiting from domestic investment; the economy—unlike Algeria, which has built its own economy—in fact exists thanks to foreign investors. (Continuation below)
Nadia Posted 2008-04-08
(Continuation in response to Wassila) So, because it experienced a period of political instability on the one hand and was targeted by international terrorism on the other, it has made it possible to classify my country, Algeria, as the "weakest in the world”. However, I find your attitude quite ridiculous, pretending to be a "pro". Until proven otherwise, I have yet to see Tunisian tourists in Algeria, nor, moreover, Moroccans. If you had even the slightest bit of intelligence, you would remember that there are one million Algerians who used to visit you. Foreign tourism already gives us a general idea of a nation’s quality of life. As for the rest: the grades and other rankings hardly concern us. For knowledgeable people, they know full well that all these things are only relative and inadequate! The highways are being built, and the universities, hospitals, railways, airports, water dams, trams, new towns, tourist complexes and so on are under construction. This will be enough for us. Better yet, bit by bit we are regaining our position as first in terms of living standards, telecommunications, the Internet and so on. But, do not worry: we are very generous, as we are a calm power. We will continue to feed Tunisia electricity. This will allow you to increase your number of points in order to maintain your ranking.
anti maghrebin Posted 2008-04-08
Stop making us laugh, Sabrina! Don’t you know that Algeria will spend a fortune for such proceedings? Their specialisation is only in saying “If you pay we will talk good about you.” That is what their job is. But, it is only the neutral observers who are saying that Algeria will pay a whole lot for this charade so that, in the end, its image will remain dulled by a strong president a strong army and what else will there really be? We have heard everything!!! Don’t you know that, beyond NATO, Morocco is the US’s ally? This is the US’s present to Morocco. They know that Algeria is looking for war and they want to be nearby for the party, just like they were in Iraq, which was threatening its neighbours. Where did the term “monitor” come from? But, it is true that empty barrels make the most noise.
assou Posted 2008-04-08
Be vigilant, Moroccans. It is the Polisario fiends who are insulting you, not the Algerians. They have been bringing misfortune to Algeria from the moment they laid their dirty paws on is, and now they are insulting you while pretending to Algerians in order to sow hatred. May God curse you, you dirty, hungry beggars of the Polisario. Remember the Algeria of 1970? you bring us misfortune! Let us live in peace!
reda Posted 2008-04-08
Sabrina- The consensus between the Toauregs and Mali has never been respected; it was the Libyans who took to that cause. Now, I would just like to tell you that Algerian diplomacy is worth no more than it deserves. Incompetence at all levels, catastrophic plan, we need to stay realistic. Moreover, we are obliged to be so. We are good neither on paper nor in the field. The case of the Sahara has also drawn attention to the credibility of the generals. The border with Morocco demystified the mafia that controls everything and bears a grudge against the Moroccan monarchy. Incapable of acting like statesmen, these rotten ones had this as their only issue to get out of their gloomy tunnel. All that is left is to go to this election and boycott and ban Bouteflika and his entire party of corrupt and illiterate military officers, the FLN.
SAGESSE Posted 2008-04-09
Oh, My Dear Nadia, You are so easily angered. It is not our fault that these idiots planted nationalism and ideological rigidness in our skulls.
sabrina Posted 2008-04-09
Gentlemen, If you are up to date on the Touaregs... Algeria will pick up from Libya on the pursuit of negotiations between emissaries of the Malian government and Touareg rebels led by Ibrahim Ag Bahanga after a week of negotiations in Tripoli, we learned Wednesday from a Libyan diplomatic source. “Now our Algerian brothers are going to take over in order to get things moving on the ground,” a Libyan diplomat told AFP Wednesday at the end of the open meeting 2 April in the Libyan capital. “On the ground, the monitoring committee for Algeria’s accords will organise the details” of the protocol for agreement to end hostilities. Moreover, the diplomat said that a cease-fire between the two parties had been settled upon on 3 April. The Tripoli discussions we opened after the group under head Touareg rebel Ag Bahanga renewed clashes on 20 March in northeastern Mali. At least eight people, five of which were civilians, were killed during the clashes between the government and Ag Bahanga’s men, and 30 Malian soldiers were abducted by his group. -Source: “Tout sur l’Algérie”
Angelica Posted 2008-04-15
Stop caring about this it doesn't even matter. Nobody else cares. Losers. Ha Ha!
mehdi Kaci Posted 2008-04-15
My fellow Algerians, let me say this, the RCD is in no way considered an 'Opposition party' , since when???? The RCD was, is and will always remain the mouth piece of the Algerian military junta. The Algerian Army and security services have unfortunately relied on infiltrating the berber community by buying out 'Berber' politicians, in this case Dr. Said Saadi. When was the last time you heard that the RCD was 'opposing' the Algerian government ? 92? 93? well the answer is NEVER. The RCd, like the FIS, were tools of the Algerian Government to control and manipulate elections during all these years Dr Saadi is an opportunist who will follow public sentiments(or the army's advice) when the issues are in his side not the people's side. Dr. Saadi is finally coming into terms with the Algerian people who are FED UP with the system, their lives and the politics in Algeria. Algeria needs a new constitution and a fresh new start, in other words, to quote a real Algerian hero, Mr. Hocine Ait Ahmed : " Algeria needs a 2nd republic" In my opinion Algeria needs a revolution and after that take all the mafia and thugs in the army to justice. These criminals have to face it , they have bankrupted a country they decided to 'serve' after the cease fire in 1960 ( most of our leaders today are a product of the French army) The french might have left in 1962 but they were smart enough to put puppets who are still in power today We need a bloodless revolution ( not a war) and a new system that would create a 2nd republic in order to get the French out of Algeria once for all !!!!!
رابح Posted 2008-06-01
My call is addressed to all the wise Algerians who have good intentions, those who want good for the Algerian people. I would like to tell them that Moroccans are our brothers, therefore we have to take our hands out of the Western Sahara problem because it is not in the interest of the Algerian people to be enemies with its brothers on matters which don’t concern them. Therefore, we hope that our brothers will think well that the problem of the Western Sahara is a catastrophe for the Algerian people and it can only reap destruction and ruin from it. So you should know my brothers that the issue of the Sahara for the Moroccans is an issue of life or death, a decisive issue, a national issue. They will not relinquish it even if there remains only one Moroccan alive. Therefore my brothers and since our Moroccan brothers are calling for our help, let’s welcome them and be one nation with one future. Rabeh.
عبدالكريم Posted 2008-06-02
To all the Algerians. From here I want to tell you and with certainty that the Moroccan people has done all it can for its Algerian brothers in all fields, in good times and bad. Despite all it has suffered, Morocco was patient and bore well not to receive thanks from Algeria but its is the feeling which drove it to that. It begs disbelief that you handed your brother to your enemy to do whatever it wants with him while you just watch, as long as Moroccans and Algerians are brothers and one family; therefore, I tell you that Moroccans have done their duty towards their Algerian brothers without comment. Now we have the issue of the Moroccan Sahara, what do we expect of our Algerian brothers whom we supported yesterday? Will they support us today? I hope so. That would mean a rehabilitation. They will be thanked. Our brothers should also know for sure that the issue of the Moroccan Sahara is a decisive matter, an issue of life or death for the Moroccan people. Oh Lord do not make us bear what we cannot tolerate. God tells the truth.
الهواري Posted 2008-06-07
To all the Moroccan people from Tangier to Lagouira: do you know that Morocco did everything it can do in order to satisfy the rulers of Algeria? But poisoned trees have no treatment, they just poison everything around them if not cut down. Don’t be attracted by their words but rather look at their acts. They describe Morocco as their worst enemy in the world. Their only concern is Morocco and its territorial integrity. Therefore I think that we should act the same way towards them.
Mourad1000 Posted 2008-07-02
It needs to be admitted that this problem is not emerging from an absence of true opposition in Algeria; our opposition, even if it has been weakened, still exists. It is not possible to hear its discourse, not only because of the contempt it has been subject to by those holding the government’s reins but also because of a lack in the level of instruction and intellect that society suffers from. In my opinion, even if we recognise the failings of the role suited to them, the Algerian citizens have not made any effort here. The responsibility falls upon them totally.
kamikaze Posted 2008-09-03
To save what we have left, we need to create an organisation to defend the citizens’ interests and divide the wealth. Our parents died for our dignity and freedom, but the colonisers returned. The Algerian people have a right to the gas and oil money.
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