Algerian President Bouteflika Steps Down

Algiers [Algeria], Apr 03 (ANI): Ailing Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika on Tuesday stepped down from his post before his mandate ends on April 28, state media reported on Monday.CNN confirmed the reports after citing a short statement published by the state-run Algeria Press Agency, which said, "President of the Republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika has officially notified president of the Constitutional Council of his decision to end his term as President of the Republic".Tuesday's announcement comes after an earlier press statement issued by the Bouteflika's office said that the president will take steps to ensure "state institutions continue to function during the transition period", adding, his "resignation would occur before April 28, 2019".The statement further noted that the 82-year old President would "take important measures to ensure the continuity of the functioning of the state institutions during the period of transition."Bouteflika's resignation announcement also comes one week after the country's army chief called for Bouteflika to resign.On April 1, Lieutenant General Ahmed Gaid Salah reiterated his call for the application of a provision in the Algerian Constitution that could remove the president on account of his failing health.Algeria has been witnessing protests since February against the President following his announcement that he will be contesting for a fifth term.Bouteflika later gave in to protesters demands and abandoned his re-election bid but also delayed the presidential election indefinitely and said that he will only step down after a new Constitution is passed.Bouteflika has rarely made public appearances since suffering a stroke in 2013.Under Article 102 of the Algerian Constitution, the Constitutional Council could ask Parliament to declare a President to be unfit to rule the country if he or she is unable to fully exercise his functions due to ill-health. (ANI)

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