Algerians cast their votes for the only candidate for the presidency
Algeria, Politics, 4/16/1999

Algerian citizens on Thursday headed to balloting centers to cast their votes in electing a new president in Algeria. In a speech addressed to the Algerian people on Wednesday, Algerian President Liamine Zeroual announced that the elections would be held at their set time despite the withdrawal of the six candidates.

In a statement he made to reporters on Thursday after he cast his vote, the Algerian president expressed regret for the stand taken by the six candidates who withdrew from the elections, adding that this initiative violated the law.

For his part and in a similar statement to the press after he cast his vote, Algerian Prime Minister Ismael al-Hamadani said, "These elections, in which the government provided all possible means of success, are but an opportunity for the Algerian people to freely express their will to choose the man who will lead the country."

Abdul Aziz Bouteflika, the only remaining candidate for the presidential elections in Algeria, said in a statement to reporters after he cast his vote on Thursday that unless he won the confidence of the majority of the Algerian people, he will not agree to assume power.

He added that these "elections are a chance for the Algerian people to express their own free will."

Meanwhile, Vote selection operations have started in Algeria immediately after the close of ballot boxes on Thursday night to elect a new president for the country. The selection of votes is being made in the presence of representatives of the provinces, members of the municipal committees and the independent committees and a representative for the "free candidate," Abdul Aziz Bouteflika.

The Algerian Ministry of the Interior announced that the rate of participation in the voting two hours before sealing off the balloting boxes was 50.84%.

Today, the Algerian minister of the interior will announce in a press conference the results of these elections.

Previous Stories:
  Boutifliqa the only candidate for Algerian elections   (4/15/1999)
  Algerian president: Presidential elections to start today despite withdrawals   (4/15/1999)
  Algerian elections to be held on Thursday   (4/13/1999)

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