Algerian Prime Minister Ali Benflis said on Wednesday that parliamentary elections would be conducted as scheduled, before next June.
Benflis' remarks put an end to speculations over possible delay until political and security conditions are settled in the troubled Berber tribal area.
In an exclusive interview with Kuwait news agency (Kuna), Benflis, who is heading the main party in the coalition government "the National Liberation Front,” said the legislative elections will be conducted on time and the government was currently employing all efforts to guarantee safe conditions for the elections. Some opposition parties, including pro-Berber, are calling for postponing the elections until all conditions are settled there, said the agency.
The Algerian authorities are concerned about the possibility that the Berber tribes will boycott the elections, a matter which will increase their isolation.
Meanwhile, the Algerian Prime Minister also considered the recent wave of violence, during which more than 40 people were killed, as a "disappointment" by extremist groups.
War against violence is a "long process,” said Benflis, who stressed that other social factors are related to this matter beside the military solution. Benflis also vowed to continue the campaign against extremist groups. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
