Algeria requires transition to democracy

Djahid Younsi, the Secretary-General of Algeria’s National Reform Movement, says his country’s next president should put the country back on a democratic track and pave the way for a gradual transition from dictatorship to democracy.   In an interview with Arabstoday, the Islamist politician said Algeria’s next head of state should bear the burden of guiding the country through a period of transition. "The incoming leader must take the necessary measures to reconcile the population with the ruling regime and restore people’s confidence in their government," the opposition politician claimed. Younsi described the upcoming 2014 parliamentary elections as "one of the most important events that will ever be witnessed in Algerian political life." The National Reform Movement leader affirmed that his party would be elaborating a unique strategy for the critical electoral season. He underlined that imminent constitutional amendments should install a parliamentary regime to create a balance of power amongst different Algerian authorities. Younsi advised that parliament should play a role in legislative supervision, and be authorised to issue a vote of no confidence in the government. He emphasised the importance of protecting judicial independence in Egypt and elsewhere. The secretary-general further advocated limiting the Algerian presidential mandate to one term, with the option of extension to a maximum two terms. "The Algerian state needs to rebuild its institutions, including the legislative authority, on a legitimate and transparent basis," Younsi affirmed.