Algeria: Army chief proposes independent body to oversee polls

Underlining that the ensuing presidential election will prevent Algeria from "falling into the trap of a constitutional void", the Army chief Lieutenant General Gaid Salah on Monday proposed the formation of an "independent body" to organise and oversee the election which is scheduled for July 4."Holding a presidential election could help [Algeria] avoid falling into the trap of a constitutional void, with its accompanying dangers and unwelcome consequences," Al Jazeera quoted General Salah as saying."There is a need to accelerate the establishment of an independent body to organise and oversee the election. This would stop those who are trying to prolong the crisis, " he added.Salah's statement comes days after thousands of protestors hit the streets in cities across the country to denounce the army's proposed plan.They are demanding a postponement of the elections and a transitional authority to be set up to review the constitution and allow for free and fair elections to take ...