Algerian protesters stage marches for fifth consecutive Friday

ALGIERS, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of thousands of Algerian protesters staged marches across the country for the fifth consecutive Friday to claim political changes.

Despite the bad weather conditions, the protesters holding umbrellas took to the street in immense marches.

On March 11, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced that the presidential election slated for April 18 will be postponed, and dropped his decision to seek a fifth presidential term.

He also pledged to form a new cabinet to pave the way for organizing a national inclusive conference to draft a new constitution and organize presidential election.

However, these propositions have been rejected by the protesters as they insist that the transition era should not be led by any representative of the government.