Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the aging independence veteran and Washington ally who suffered a stroke last year, will run for re-election on April 17, his premier said on Saturday, a vote likely to hand him a fourth term in power, Reuters reported. The announcement appeared to end months of speculation over Bouteflika's future after his medical trips to Paris intensified discussion of a succession after his 15 years in office. Bouteflika, who opponents say is too frail to govern, was expected to announce his candidacy formally later on Saturday, with Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal running his campaign, a source close to the presidency said. "Bouteflika will be a candidate," Sellal said in the northwestern city of Oran. "Bouteflika's decision to run comes at the insistence of the people and after some deep reflection." State news agency APS said the 76-year-old leader had officially notified the Interior Ministry of his candidacy. -- SPA 20:21 LOCAL TIME 17:21 GMT تغريد
