ABDELAZIZ BOUTEFLIKA started his campaign for a fifth term as Algeria's president by promising not to finish it. The ailing ruler, who turned 82 this month, is not even in the country. An associate filed the papers for his candidacy while Mr Bouteflika lay in a hospital bed in Geneva. For two weeks Algerians have been protesting against his decision to run. The largest rally, on March 1st, drew tens of thousands of people. In a letter read on state television, Mr Bouteflika acknowledged their cri de cceur. If re-elected he vowed to call a new presidential vote-and not to contest it.
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