By RFIPalled on 22-04-2019Modified 22-04-2019 at 23:41

Acting President Abdelkader Bensalah on Monday (April 22nd) urged political parties and several personalities to discuss behind closed doors the preparation of the next elections. But the meeting was largely boycotted.

The consultations opened on Monday morning, but the seats were empty, according to the photo released by the official press agency. The meeting was held behind closed doors at the Palais des Nations on the outskirts of the capital. Still according to the official news agency were present: party leaders, lawyers, and representatives of civil society, but few names circulate.

But difficult to know who participated in this first day of consultation at the invitation of Acting President Abdelkader Bensalah, because those who went there have not publicized their presence. On the other hand, those who boycotted it have made it known, and indeed, they are also the most numerous.

The appointment has indeed been shunned by those who really weight. In a letter, Ali Benflis believes that these consultations are untimely and off topic. The former Prime Minister even believes that this meeting could be perceived as a provocation by the Algerians.

When you see the total absence of all the important figures of the political parties, national personalities, well you conclude that not only is it a fiasco, but that this step can not go further. It's a waste of time

Ali Benflis, former Algerian Prime Minister

22-04-2019 - By Marie-Pierre Olphand

The MSP, the Islamist party , also sees in this meeting an attack on the popular will, as Abderrazak Makri, his boss explains: " The Algerians want a real change. They do not agree that the transition should be led by personalities affiliated to power. Everyone calls for Bensalah to be changed, he has to leave. We must respond to the call of the Algerians and then we will go into dialogue and consultation. "

Everyone wants a dialogue, but not with the personalities that are the product of electoral fraud and the product of this policy of fait accompli.

Abderrazak Makri, President of the MSP

22-04-2019 - By Marie-Pierre Olphand

The list of those boycotting this meeting does not stop there. There is also the Workers Party. Louisa Hanoune, who is at its head, is justified in a video: these consultations are a maneuver aimed at imposing the continuity of the same system. " Impossible that we can respond to such an invitation and participate in such a conference that the Algerian people refused, " summarizes Djelloul Djoudi, national secretary of communication of the party.

RCD Mohcine Belabbas also said not to recognize themselves in " agendas that go against the demands of the people ."

Overall, all those who stand on the side of the people have shunned the meeting. Abdlekader Bensalah asked all concerned to participate with confidence and innovation for this first step. He clearly failed to convince.

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