Algerian opposition groups demand elections in six months

Algerian opposition parties and civil society figures on Saturday called for the holding of elections in six months after the interim president pushed for dialogue.

The group has proposed "free and pluralist" elections "within six months," according to a statement issued at a meeting of political parties and representatives of civil society.

The meeting of Saturday's "National Forum for Dialogue" was chaired by former minister Abdelaziz Rahabi, who supported mbad protests against the ruling elite.

Longtime leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika, a long-time leader, resigned in April after huge protests. The main gatherings continued.

Algerian protesters campaign for a complete overhaul of the political clbad.

Saturday's meeting called for the creation of an organ responsible for preparing the poll, composed of personalities chosen by "the parties of the dialogue to the exclusion of the symbols of the former political regime".

Acting President Abdelkader Bensalah on Wednesday called for a national dialogue, in which he promised that the state and the military would remain neutral, but Saturday's forum was held outside of the orbit of the presidency.

A presidential election already postponed, scheduled for July 4, was postponed after the only two potential candidates, both of them little known, were refused their candidacy.