Interim President of Algeria Promises Free Elections in the Country

Abdelkader Ben Salah, the interim president of Algeria, promised in his first televised speech to hold free elections in the country within the next 90 days. Abdelaziz Bouteflika officially resigned from the presidency of Algeria after widespread protests following two decades in power. Following Bouteflika's resignation, the Algerian parliament on Tuesday, April 9, appointed Abdelkader Ben Salah, the President of the Senate, as interim president for 90 days, during which he must hold presidential elections. This comes as thousands took to the streets in the capital and several eastern cities following Ben Salah's appointment. In his televised speech, Ben Salah stated, "I am committed to holding elections." He emphasized that the military fully supports the country's constitution. In the continuation of his 16-minute speech, he stressed that he would consult with political groups and civil society. Reuters reports that Abdelkader Ben Salah, who has been the President of the Senate for years, is considered one of Abdelaziz Bouteflika's allies. The interim president of Algeria has promised to form a national and independent commission to ensure free elections. According to Reuters, 25% of Algeria's population is under 30 years old, with unemployment among this demographic at 70%, despite Algeria being a wealthy oil country. Bouteflika, who has rarely appeared in public since a heart attack in 2013, had faced immense pressure to step down after announcing his decision to run for a fifth consecutive term. As protests intensified, General Ahmed Gaid Salah, who has been the commander of the Algerian armed forces since 2004, called for Bouteflika's resignation or removal due to his illness.