Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has dropped out of the race for a fifth term in office after weeks of speculation . The century - old has held the position for 20 years , but his intention to run again led to mass protests and a rejection by more than 1,000 judges . But his bid was met with stiff resistance as mass protests broke out across Algeria. Algeria was largely unaffected by the 2011 Arab Spring . However , concerns over Bouteflika 's control of state finances , high unemployment and clampdowns on political dissent , have led to what are reportedly the largest Algerian protests in 30 years . It is unknown whether the president 's decision will signal an end to the National Liberation Front 's 50-year rule .
Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika has dropped out of the race for a fifth term in office after weeks of speculation . The century - old has held the position for 20 years , but his intention to run again led to mass protests and a rejection by more than 1,000 judges . Algeria was largely unaffected by the 2011 Arab Spring . However , concerns over Bouteflika 's control of state finances , high unemployment and clampdowns on political dissent , have led to what are reportedly the largest Algerian protests in 30 years . It is unknown whether the president 's decision will signal an end to the National Liberation Front 's 50-year rule .