The head of Algeria’s constitutional council stepped down on Tuesday after weeks facing the ire of protesters, state television reported.
Tayeb Belaiz informed the council, which will play a key role in upcoming presidential elections, that “he presented his resignation... to the head of state.”
Algerians have called for Belaiz and other top figures to quit in mass demonstrations which prompted the departure of veteran president Abdelaziz Bouteflika earlier this month.
Protesters have targeted the “3B” - Belaiz, Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui, and Abdelkader Bensalah who served as upper house speaker until being appointed interim president after Bouteflika’s resignation.
Bensalah has defended his appointment under constitutional rules and has pledged a transparent vote, to be held on July 4.
The constitutional council is tasked with vetting election candidates, as well as ensuring the regularity of the polls.
Belaiz has served as a minister almost without interruption for 16 years and was appointed the head of the constitutional council for the second time on February 10.
Also Read
-
Algeria magistrates to boycott July 4 presidential election
Algeria’s magistrates, who play a key role overseeing the country’s elections, said on Saturday they would boycott a July 4 presidential ... North Africa -
Algeria sets presidential election for July 4
Algeria will hold a presidential election on July 4, a statement from the presidency said on Wednesday. Algeria’s interim president ... North Africa
