ALGIERS, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Army Chief of Staff Ahmed Gaid Salah on Tuesday said that the presidential election should be held on time, as it is the only way to get out of the ongoing crisis.
"In order to respect the Constitution and state institutions, we have to work to create as soon as possible best conditions for holding the presidential election on July 4," Salah said during a visit to the 5th Military Region of Batna.
"The election will elect a legitimate president who will be tasked with the mission of fulfilling the popular demands and putting the country on the track of progress and construction," he added.
Algerian interim leader Abdelkader Bensalah, who replaced former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika who resigned following massive protests against his rule, announced on April 10 that the presidential election will be held on July 4. But there have been calls for delaying the election, as the the protests continue.
Salah also talked about the issue of fighting corruption, saying that several politicians, businessmen and high ranking military officials are involved in "heavy" corruption cases with payment of huge amounts of money.
He urged the judges to speed up the trial process of the involved people in a bid to deter them from escaping justice.
The National Gendarmerie Department last week sent court summons to former Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia and incumbent Finance Minister Mohammed Loukal, who used to be the governor of Central Bank.
Several prominent businessmen were placed under custody. Other businessmen are banned from leaving the country, awaiting for summons by the court.
These investigations come at the request of Salah.
