Algerian expatriates in France were invited Saturday to vote for the presidential election, which will take place on December 12 in Algeria. But in several cities, some members of the diaspora have preferred to demonstrate against these elections rather than go to the polls.

In the 11th arrondissement of Paris, near the consulate, many wore white caps to show they were protesting peacefully. Others waved a red card to show their disagreement with the holding of the December 12 presidential election in Algeria.

"This people is determined to take back their destiny in their hands"

"It is useless at all, it is the continuity of oppression, it is the continuity of the theft of Algerians," denounced a protester. Same story on the side of a protester crossed in the procession. "Many think that it will stop from December 12. No, this people is determined to take back their destiny," she said. "For us Algeria will be democratic and free, otherwise it will be nothing," added another protester.

>> To read: In Algeria, the debate between the presidential candidates is a first but does not arouse the emotion

In the city of Saint-Étienne, located in the Loire, some fifty demonstrators chanted in front of the building slogans hostile to the Algerian power in place, which organizes the vote until December 12.

In addition to Algerian flags, they have branded placards "No vote", "No recycling mafia system", "Whoever votes from December 7 to 12 is a traitor".

Divisions between voters and protesters

Filmed using smartphones, those who entered the building to participate in the vote were conspired by the protesters who called them "traitors", "bastards", "killers" or "thugs".

"The five candidates proposed to us have been set up by the current government, which is illegitimate." Before organizing elections, it is necessary for the army to install a transitional government that allows the Harak (editor's note : protest movement launched in February against the power) to organize, "said one of the protesters to AFP.

Saïd Bouteflika soon witness to the bar

While the debate over this election is pushing Algerian expatriates into the streets, the Algerian justice has asked to hear Said Bouteflika, the brother of the deposed Algerian president. This rebound comes on the third day of a trial for corruption of former Algerian politicians and businessmen.

The prosecutor made the request after the appearance of Ali Haddad, former leader of the main Algerian employers' organization, in the file of election financing of the former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.

Said Bouteflika is expected as a witness at the bar on Saturday afternoon, according to local media.

With AFP