Algeria calls presidential elections for December

Algeria will vote for its next president on December 12, interim President Abdelkader Bensalah announced Sunday, calling it “a historic day to make the dreams of our people concrete.”

The vote will fill a gap left by former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who was ousted in April after his attempted bid at a fifth presidential term caused mass protests. Bouteflika governed Algeria for 20 years.

An election had originally been scheduled for July 4 but was called off due to lack of candidates. The cancellation came amid pro-democracy protests demanding all of the old guard, including Bensallah and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui, step down before new elections were held. Weekly protests continue to call for more time.

Bensallah has acted as interim leader of the north African nation since the ouster. His term has exceeded the constitutional time limit of 90 days.

Via France 24