Algerians await decision on Bouteflika's future

Algerians were waiting on Wednesday for a decision on whether President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is no longer fit to lead the country, a day after the military called for action to end a weeks-long political crisis.

Hundreds of thousands of Algerians have been protesting for nearly five weeks, demanding that Bouteflika step down after 20 years in power.

On Tuesday, the military chief of staff, Gaid Saleh, called for the application of a constitutional article that allows the removal of the president on health grounds.  

"A solution should be adopted that ensures getting out of the crisis and responding to the legitimate demands of the Algerian people," said the military chief of staff, Gaid Saleh.

The army's declaration could pave the way for the ousting of the 82-year-old leader, who is rarely seen in public after he suffered a stroke in 2013. Article 102 of the constitution empowers the Constitutional Council to determine if the president is unable to do his job due to a serious or enduring illness, and asks the parliament to declare him unfit.

However, Algeria's opposition believes the enforcement of the article is not sufficient to ensure a democratic transition and fair elections.    (dpa)