Six candidates have been approved to contest Algeria's April 17 presidential election, including the incumbent Abdulaziz Bouteflika, the Constitutional Council announced Thursday. Among the final six, out of an initial field of 12, is Ali Benflis, Abdulaziz Beleed, Musa Twati, Loweza Hanoon and Ali Fawzi Rubaeen. Earlier today, President Bouteflika assigned the current Minister of Energy Yousef Yousefi to serve as Prime Minister in replacement of Abdulmalik Sallal who was asked to administer the Bouteflika's presidential election campaign. Former Prime Minister Abdulaziz Belkhadem was appointed Minister of State and Special Advisor to the President, the statement said.