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Algerians keep up pressure after president's half-concession

A man is silhouetted through an Algerian flag as he celebrates with others after Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced that he is delaying the April 18 election and won't seek another term, in Algiers, Algeria, Monday, March 11, 2019. Bouteflika bowed to unprecedented public protests Monday and promised not to seek a fifth term after 20 years in power. (AP Photo/Toufik Doudou)

ALGIERS, Algeria — Algerian students are protesting President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s decision to delay presidential elections indefinitely.

Bouteflika’s announcement Monday to withdrew his candidacy for a fifth term cheered his opponents.

But on Tuesday, there was more skepticism over his decision to delay an April 18 election without setting a new date, which opponents say could leave him in power indefinitely

Protesters question Bouteflika’s fitness for office after a 2013 stroke that has left him largely hidden from public view. They’re also angry at the gas-rich country’s power structure seen as secretive and corrupt.

Many protesters are now demanding that Bouteflika step down April 18 instead of waiting for a new vote.

Student protests started Tuesday in Algiers and are planned in other cities, and nationwide protests are expected Friday.

The Associated Press