Algerian opposition party announces boycott of presidential elections citing chances of fraud

ALGIERS, Algeria – An Algerian opposition party has announced its intention to boycott presidential elections in April, citing a lack of transparency and the strong chance of fraud.

Just three months before the elections, few serious candidates have stepped forward as the country waits to see if ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will run for a fourth term.

The Rally for Culture and Democracy said Friday in a statement that there was little chance the elections would allow any change in the political system. The party previously boycotted parliamentary elections in 2012, citing similar reasons.

The RCD and other opposition parties called for an independent commission to conduct elections instead of the Interior Ministry. The government rejected their request.

Louisa Hanoun of Algeria's Workers Party, meanwhile, announced her candidacy for the elections.