Algeria abolishes presidential term limits (UPDATED)

© AP

2008-11-12 13:13:03 - ALGIERS, Algeria (AP) - The Algerian parliament has overwhelmingly approved reforms to the constitution that abolish term limits for the president. Wednesday's reforms pave the way for President Abdelaziz Bouteflika to seek a third term in elections next spring. The constitutional change required a three-fourths majority in a combined meeting of both parliamentary chambers. The five amendments were adopted by 500 votes out of 529, with 21 refusals and 8 abstentions during a parliamentary session broadcast live on national radio. The amendments also boost presidential powers, reorganize government and promote the role of women in politics.

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Although Bouteflika has not committed himself to another term, he is expected to contest a presidential election in April 2009 in an attempt to extend his rule beyond his current second term. Energy riches: Supporters of Bouteflika say that he is best placed to continue to rebuild Algeria, which suffered a civil war in the 1990s. More than 150,000 people died during the conflict. Opposition politicians have rallied against making changes to the constitution, saying that the presidential office already has broad control of the courts and legislature. Algeria is an influential member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and is Africa's largest gas exporter. About 20 per cent of the Europe's gas imports come from Algeria. Algeria’s government is battling against fighters from al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the north African wing of al-Qaeda. Al-Qaeda has been blamed for several bomb attacks and shootings in Algeria in recent years. Although Algeria is Africa's third-largest economy, the government has been criticised for not improving the lives of most Algerians through an oil revenue windfall. Bouteflika's political allies have appealed to the president to run for another term, saying that he is the only candidate who possesses enough skill and international weight to preside over the country. The planned changes for the constitution were not submitted to a referendum by Bouteflika as he argues that any alterations will not change the basic system of political power. But some analysts say that Algerians will be uncomfortable with constitutional changes being made without popular endorsement. Wholesale changes to the constitution will not alter the perception among ordinary Algerians that a political elite is ignoring their needs, commentators say.