Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika resigns

By Abdulraziq bin Abdullah

ALGIERS (AA) - Following over a month of protests of his decision to seek a fifth term, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Tuesday bowed to popular demands and resigned, reported state news agency APS.

Bouteflika's decision came hours after Algerian Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ahmed Ahmed Gaid Saleh demanded his "immediate departure."

In a statement, Saleh reiterated the military’s commitment to the "implementation of a constitutional article on the vacancy of the presidential post," adding: "Our decision is clear and irreversible, as we stand with the people until their demands are fulfilled."

Saleh’s statement came a day after Bouteflika vowed to resign before his term officially expires later this month.

Saying Boutaflika's Monday statement was issued "from non-constitutional powers, not directly from him," Saleh said the “Algerian army will not accept extra-constitutional decisions."

In February, the country’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated the 82-year-old Bouteflika, who has ruled Algeria since 1999, to run for a fifth term in office.

But on March 11, following weeks of protests against his presidential bid, Bouteflika abruptly postponed the polls -- originally slated for April 18 -- and formally withdrew his candidacy.

Algerians have continued to stage demonstrations against the aged leader, who they accuse of unconstitutionally extending his fourth term in office.

* Writing by Ali Abo Rezeg