Algeria accepts applications for presidential hopefuls

By ABDULRAZZAK ABDULLAH

ALGIERS (AA) - Algeria's National Epection Authority on Wednesday began to receive applications from candidates for the country's presidential election, slated for December 12.

Ezzedine Mihoubi, the Secretary General of Algeria's Democratic Rally, was the first to submit his application for the polls.

"This election is important because it embodies the people's will and is the only solution to the current crisis," said Mihoubi, who was a former prime minister.

Candidates are allowed to submit their applications until Oct. 26.

According to Algeria's election law, those who wish to apply for the presidential election must submit a file that includes the signatures of 50,000 citizens within 40 days.

December elections will be the first after the resignation of the long-serving president Abdelaziz Bouteflika early in April, under pressure from mass protests demanding the removal of the ruling elite and the prosecution of people suspected of corruption.

*Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara