- Prominent Algerians from various walks of life are holding a conference Saturday in the seaside resort of Bainem, west of Algiers
- Tens of thousands of Algerians held new protests Friday amid extra-high security
ALGIERS: Prominent Algerians from various walks of life are trying to craft a plan for presidential elections amid divisions within the country’s democracy uprising.
Opposition former Prime Minister Ali Benflis, Islamist party leaders, academics, journalists and other non-politicians are among those holding a conference Saturday in the seaside resort of Bainem, west of Algiers.
Organizers want it to produce a road map for presidential elections on the protesters’ terms. The country is in political limbo since a stunning revolt helped push out longtime President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April.
Other leading opposition figures refused to take part in Saturday’s conference. They want a new constitution and a transition period led by personalities outside the current regime before holding presidential elections.
Tens of thousands of Algerians held new protests Friday amid extra-high security.