Intensive contests in Algerian presidential elections

The features of the battle over the Algerian presidential elections began to take shape as followers of former Foreign Minister Abdul Aziz Bu Telifa and former Prime Minister Mawlood Hamroush began to form committees supporting every nominee individually in several states all over Algeria.

The followers of former Foreign Minister Ahmed Talib El-Ibrahimi, who is known for his Islamic inclinations and current Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia have not gotten ready yet to enter this battle.

Algerian sources have said that Ouyahia will present his resignation to President Zeroual on Sunday after he first presents his annual report on the government's activity.

The sources added that after resigning, Ouyahia intends to free himself for the presidential battle which will be held in April 1999.