Algerian activists reinforce their tools through law courses on law

Sitting in a living room transformed into an improvised clbadroom, Algerians from all walks of life gather to take a course in constitutional law. Two hours later, none seems to be boring.

Algerian protesters have pledged to keep up the pressure on the ruling elite since the resignation of its leader, veteran Abdelaziz Bouteflika, this month.

As they look to the future, students, doctors and workers have invaded the parks and cultural venues of the capital to sharpen their tools and give an intellectual weight to their claims.

Imene, an Algerian flag still under his arm, came directly from a rally near the headquarters of the emblematic post office of the capital, the heart of the protest movement.

"Here, we open our eyes and begin to understand, for example, why this presidential election is a trap," she said.

Acting leader Abdelkader Bensalah announced Wednesday that Algeria will hold presidential elections in July.

But for many protesters, no election led by officials and institutions of the Bouteflika era can be free or transparent.

"If we hold an election in the state, it would only elect another dictator," said Mbadensen Cherbi, professor of law and social sciences.

He explained to his students that the Algerian head of state is the supreme leader of the armed forces and the defense minister, has a veto over the parliament, is not criminally responsible and has the exclusive power to amend the constitution.

"How would you call such a president?" He asked.

"A despot, reading the constitution is enough to know it."

& # 39; Seize the opportunity

He deplored the state of social laws and social law in Algerian schools, saying that this was motivated by the desire to "leave people ignorant and freely enjoy power."

"Most Algerians know almost nothing about what is written in the constitution," he said.

"That's why in Algeria, people are struggling to get into the political debate."

Farida, a 60-year-old archaeologist, agreed.

"The debate in Algeria has always been muzzled," she said.

The leaders did their best "to keep us indifferent to politics," she added.

Bouteflika was elected for the first time with 73% of the vote in 1999, then won his second term in the fourth term with more than four-fifths of the votes.

Hamsa, 29, said the elections had "never come to nothing" in Algeria, dismissing the idea of ​​going to the polls in July.

Fella, who was also attending the clbad, came to the same conclusion.

"Algeria is not ready for another presidential election," she said.

"Civil society is not ready, it does not have the knowledge, it is not at all politicized."

But, she added, "This popular movement is a wonderful opportunity, it must be seized!"