“I want people to know that there are no real elections being held in Algeria”, says Benchicou, who recently published another novel entitled “Memoires of a Free Man” in which he speaks of his life after being released from the El Harrach prison, in Algiers. The book was supposed to appear during the International Book Fair in Algiers last December, but was blocked by the printer. Censured in Algeria, this book has however been published in France (Editions Rivesneuves).
On April 9th Algerian voters will be called-upon to once again elect the President of the Republic. In spite of the presence of five other candidates, does Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s victory seem like an inevitable conclusion?
The election is only needed to consolidate his power, and these elections are a farce that is not even remotely similar to what happens in other democratic country. In Algeria there is a regime that organises parodies so as to continue to govern. Next April 9th Bouteflika will become president for life.
On November 12th 2008 the Algerian parliament approved a constitutional amendment that among other things establishes the removal of the restriction to two consecutive mandates for the President of the Republic as well as a new and less powerful role for the Prime Minister. What do you think of this amendment?
With this amendment Bouteflika has aligned Algeria to all the other Arab dictatorships. All Arab dictatorships are ruled by presidents for life. These are real dictators who prevent alternate governments in their societies and stop new generations from gaining access to power and organising life in their countries. The 1996 Constitution already contained a restraint that guaranteed alternate governments by restricting to two any consecutive presidential mandates. Algeria has returned to the status of an Arab banana-republic with a president for life. This will result in the creation of a corrupt caste, in a final break-down in relations with society and the exclusion of the young from politics.
And yet this amendment was approved by an overwhelming majority. Only 21 votes against compared to five hundred in favour. The only Member of Parliament who rebelled was Saïd Saadi (leader of the secular opposition party, RCD, Rassemblement pour la culture et la démocratie).
There is no opposition in Algeria. There are people paid by the regime to oppose it. This is part of the stage design for Bouteflika’s “disguised democracy.” This “opposition” is only needed to satisfy social dissatisfaction. These people ever leave their bunkers, they do not participate in the life of the country. They are totally discredited in the eyes of citizens. For the moment one cannot speak of real opposition. It is a pity, but perhaps other forms of reaction will take shape within society. For the moment, however, there is nothing tangible on the horizon.
What do you think of the situation concerning freedom of the press in Algeria?
The press still does exist, although it has been seriously tested. Freedom of the press has certainly taken a step backwards since the media has chosen to side with political power. In spite of all this, I believe there is still freedom of the press that is however restricted to only a few newspapers. What needs to be understood is that the regime is waging total war and this will be intensified in the course of Bouteflika’s third mandate. The regime in fact wishes to return to the single party system that existed before Algeria became democratic. The press will be the first victim of the future regime that will be elected next April 9th.
What has happened to the newspaper Le Matin, which you founded in 1991?
It is still suspended and has been for the past five years. It was the first opposition newspaper published in Algeria. It was censured by those in power. International opinion must understand that we are in a state of emergency. Demonstrations and meetings are forbidden and corruption is widespread. People need to open their eyes regards to the Algerian reality.
Do you think Algeria will be able to get back on its feet? Do you think the European Union, and especially European countries on the north shored of the Mediterranean, can play an important role in this sense?
The European Union has a vested interest in seeing a democratisation of countries on the south shores of the Mediterranean. It would be important to solve the two great problems currently gripping Europe: illegal immigration and terrorism. For as long as there are illegitimate regimes not elected by the people, dictatorial regimes, there will never be solutions for these two problems. The European Union must absolutely understand that the stabilisation of the countries overlooking the southern shores of the Mediterranean involves the democratisation of political power in these countries. There is no other solution. This is not a battle that will only benefit the people in these countries; it is a battle that will benefit Europe and Europe is our neighbour.
Translated by Francesca Simmons