Mauritanian gov't ready to discuss opposition's demands

By Mohamed al-Bakay

NOUAKCHOTT (AA) - The Mauritanian government on Monday voiced its readiness to discuss opposition demands related to presidential elections slated for next year, local media has reported.

The announcement came at a meeting between Interior Minister Ahmed Ould Abdallah and opposition leaders in capital Nouakchott.

On Feb. 8, opposition leaders -- in a letter sent to the Interior Ministry -- urged the government to help promote “the appropriate atmosphere” for presidential polls slated for 2019.

Opposition leaders also called for the reform of the country’s electoral commission and for international observers to monitor the upcoming polls.

In January, President Ould Abdel Aziz said he would not run for a third term in office, citing the Mauritanian constitution, which allows only two presidential terms.

An exact date for the upcoming poll has yet to be announced, but it is expected to be held sometime before Ould Abdel Aziz's second term ends in July of next year.