ALGIERS - Algeria's constitutional council
has concluded it will not be possible to hold presidential
elections on July 4 as planned, state TV reported on Sunday,
prolonging the country's transition after President Abdelaziz
Bouteflika resigned two months ago.
The constitutional council cited a lack of valid candidates,
saying it had received only two candidates, who were deemed
invalid.
The vote was meant to elect a new president after Bouteflika
ended his 20-year rule in the wake of mass protests calling for
wider political reforms.
Demonstrations have continued, demanding an end to the
dominance of the elite who have ruled since the country won
independence from France in 1962.
The council did not set a new date for the presidential
elections, asking interim President Abdelkader Bensalah to
organize a vote at a later date, state television said.
Bensalah had been appointed as interim leader until July 9.
Protesters have called for his removal and that of Prime
Minister Noureddine Bedoui, who was appointed by Bouteflika days
before he stepped down.