Journalist reads Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s letter on Algerian television

In a letter read on Algerian television, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika vowed to not serve a full term if he wins re-election in April: « I’m solemnly pledge before god and before the Algerian people to respect the following commitments: to hold a national, independent and inclusive conference. Immediately after the presidential elections, to debate, formulate and adopt political, institutional, economic and social reforms… the organization of a snap presidential election on a date to be decided during the independent national conference. I promise not to be candidate in this election, which will determine my successor in serene, free and transparent conditions. »