Algeria president quits, polls postponed - Presidency

Algerian president Abdul Aziz Bouteflika will not be seeking a fifth term, the presidency confirmed late Monday. The date of elections has also been postponed according to a statement from the presidency.

Polls were slated for April 4 but the date was threatened by serial protests that rocked the country calling for the president to step down.

A government reshuffle would take place soon, the presidency added in a statement. A new Prime Minister has also been named as part of raft of changes.

Noureddine Bedoui was appointed premier according to Ennahar TV. He had previously served as Interior Minister.

Ramtane Lamamra, a former Bouteflika diplomatic advisor was also named as deputy Prime Minister.

The new arrangements came as a result of the resignation of Ahmed Ouyahia shortly after Bouteflika announced that he will not seek a fifth term in office.

PHOTOS/ Algiers breaks into celebration as Bouteflika quits ??
Ailing president won't seek another term
Elections slated for April 4 postponed
New PM announced pic.twitter.com/9WJBXRw7fV

— africanews (@africanews) March 11, 2019