ALGIERS, Algeria – Algeria's largest Islamist political party has announced it will be boycotting April's presidential elections, citing fears of fraud.
The statement Saturday said a majority of the Movement of Society for Peace's ruling council voted to not participate in the April 17 election because "conditions weren't right for a free choice for Algerians."
The party's decision represents a break from its history of always participating in elections.
On Friday, the liberal Rally for Culture and Democracy announced its own election boycott for similar reasons.
Algerians are waiting to see if ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will run for a fourth term, despite having a stroke last year.
A number of personalities have already announced their intention to run for the presidency, but few are seen as serious candidates.
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