(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) ALGIERS, Jan 19 (KUNA) -- The Algerian Ministry of Interior on Saturday invited the potential presidential hopefuls to file for the polls through filling the necessary forms as of January 23.
The Ministry announced in a statement the commencement of the electoral process one day after President of the Republic Abdulaziz Bouteflika called on voters to go to polls on April 18, 2019, to choose the next head of state.
The Ministry will start reviewing the forms and the credentials of candidates between January 23 and February 6, according to the statement.
The elections will be the first under the amended constitution of 2016 and the new electoral law.
Despite his frail health, President Bouteflika, 81, is most likely to run for a fifth term in office, observers and opposition leaders believe.
Meanwhile, pro-government political parties called on the president to vie for reelection in order to "continue the reconstruction process, and the political, economic and social reforms" he started in 1999.
The National Liberation Front (FLN), which dominates the seats of the parliament, said in a statement that President Bouteflika is the sole candidate of the party in keeping with the desire of its grass roots.
On a similar note, the Democratic National Rally (RND), led by former prime minister Ahmad Ouyahia, said Bouteflika's reelection is "a must for continued national rebuilding." The Rally of Algerian Hope (TAJ), led by ex-minister of public works Amar Ghoul, appreciated Bouteflika call for holding the polls in time and asked the president to stand for reelection. (end) mr.gb
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