Algeria moves to ensure fair presidential election in 2014

Presidential election in Algeria will take place when in the Spring of 2014, by the end of current term of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, Communication Minister Abdelkader Messahel said Sunday in Algiers. "The election will be held at the end of the term of incumbent president," the state-run radio quoted Messahel as saying at a joint press conference with foreign minister Ramtane Lamamra. In fact, the political arena in Algeria was shaken recently by a controversy of whether President Bouteflika is to amend the constitution through extending the president's term to seven years, rather than five years, in order to pave the way for himself to stay in power for two more years. In case Bouteflika proceeds such amendments, the presidential election of 2014 would be postponed to 2016. "President Bouteflika has already instructed the government, during the last Council of Ministers, to ensure proper preparation for this election," Messahel reassured. Messahel indicated that the election of 2014 will be monitored by international and local observers. He further assured that " appropriate measures will be implemented in accordance with the law, in order to guarantee fair and free election. On another side, Messahel revealed that President Bouteflika is the only state official who detains the power to issue the draft constitution. "The opportunity and the timing of the revision of the Constitution is exclusively part of the prerogatives of President, " said Messahel. A copy of the draft constitution was submitted to President Bouteflika who is meant to examine it and make remarks on it, Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said. A panel of law experts and academics was set up last April by President Bouteflika, as they are tasked to draw up a draft constitution.