PFLN trying to rig Algerian election

Mohammed Hudaibi Algiers - Sofiane Siyoucef Algerian MP Mohammed Hudaibi has accused Algeria's ruling National Liberation Front Party (PFLN) headed by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and its ruling partner The National Democratic Rally (RND), headed by PM Ahmed Ouyahia, of intending to rig the upcoming parliamentary elections. Hudaibi, also spokesperson for the Islamic Renaissance Movement said a number of military personnel were added to the voters' list. The MP said he was optimistic about his party's chances in the May 10 vote "if the elections will be held under proper conditions". In an interview with Arabstoday, Hudaibi said all those committed to the national interest must "protect the elections from being manipulated by those who want to control the nation, as such a thing could open the door to foreign intervention". Hudaibi warned of the "illegal addition of voters belonging to the military to the voters' lists in some Algerian provinces, although the lists are supposed to be prepared under judiciary supervision ", saying the move was made to ensure the cointinuity of the ruling coalition. The Islamist said it could raise questions about the ability of the judiciary to take control over the voting process, which might discourage voters, hence making mathe manipulation even easier. The politician said it was necessary that Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia's government resign to "put an end to the technical failure and the financial and administrative corruption of this government". "Keeping some of the disreputable characters in this government siginifies the end of hope for change, while the people of Algeria are still unable to choose their representatives. President Bouteflika has to be aware of his constitutional responsibility and protect the nation's will from being stolen by the two ruling parties in the upcoming elections," he said. Hudaibi said he was optimistic about the chances of the Islamist coalition, consisting of his party and the Peace Society Movement (associated with the Muslim Brotherhood) and the National Reformation Movement, in the parliamentary elections "but only if they are free and fair without exploiting the military". "I expect the Algerian people to choose the Islamist coalitions' side as a result of the Islamists' support to public demands in recent years, a support that the Islamists have paid a heavy price for," said Hudaibi. "The Islamic Renaissance Movement will gain more votes than the authorities are expecting...the people have given up on the current government that has led the country from one failure to another." Hudaibi criticised the government's call to Arab and international organisations to monitor the elections, saying: "This will only add more financial load to the country, and may open the door to foreign interference in the state's independence." Hudaibi ended the interview by urging the Algerian people "to defend their votes in the parliamentary elections and force the authorities to conduct the elections in a fair and serious manner."