The head of Algeria’s Constitutional Council has quit under pressure from protesters.
State news agency APS reported that Constitutional Council President Tayeb Belaiz submitted his resignation to Algeria’s interim president yesterday.
Belaiz is one of three power figures named by pro-democracy protesters in their demands for a government cleanup. They’re seen as part of the discredited regime of ex-President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Belaiz’s departure could help calm the angry protesters by clearing the way for someone considered more independent. Also yesterday, Algeria’s military chief called on the country’s people to show “patience” during the political transition ahead. A presidential election has been set for July 4 to choose the successor to Bouteflika, who stepped down this month under pressure from protesters and military chief of staff Gen. Ahmed Gaid Salah.