As Algeria gears up for millions to hit the public street in protests that could shape the country’s future, now that longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has resigned, Islamist parties voiced their hope for the marches to remove the former regime’s stalwarts from office.
The military establishment is determined on appointing the head of the council of the nation, Abdelkader Bensalah, as the interim president of Algeria, the Movement of Society for Peace party leader, Abderrazak Makri, told Asharq Al-Awsat, while pointing out that demonstrators still have a chance at effecting change. Protesters are calling for transitional institutions to be set up to implement reforms and guarantee free elections.
As the country risks getting doused in turmoil, which could provoke martial law, Makri said that the only solution is for dialogue to prevail among the military and civic institutions, and to include the leaders of the public protests.
He also recommended setting aside fourth estate coverage and said that the ultimate goal is to “pick a person,” stressing that there is no room for error.
“Popular movements are the sole driver of change,” he added while underlining that “it is out of the question for Islamists to control the civil movement.”
As for how close is the gas-rich country to seeing a junta take over, Makri said it is not likely to happen openly and explained Algeria’s experience has long seen army men control the country from behind closed curtains.
“They (the army) are the makers of presidents, and they weave the country’s political balances,” Makri said.
Justice and Development Front Abdallah Djaballah voiced his rejection for allowing the transition period to be run by the former regime officials, against whom the people have taken-to-street.
“The civil marchers are clear in their demand. We have been among protesters since day one,” Djaballah said, reiterating his party’s full support for the people.
Algerians, according to Djaballah, are looking to build a democratic state based on Islamic principles.
Bensaleh being placed at the helm of the transition period is considered a “betrayal to the will of the people,” he noted.
Former Prime Minister Ahmed Benbitour is among the prime candidates pitched in by the army establishment for leading the country through the six-month transition, Algiers-based sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.
