PROTESTS continued in Algeria this weekend with thousands taking to the streets to reject next month’s scheduled presidential elections, instead demanding a “new revolution.”

Friday’s protest in the capital Algiers, which marked the 65th anniversary of independence from France, was one of the biggest since the weekly gatherings began in February.

Demonstrations continued over the weekend as Algerians vented their anger at the election planned for December 12, despite promises of “transparency” from the authorities.

Former leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika was forced to stand down in April under pressure from protesters. But they are demanding the departure of all those associated with the corrupt former regime, including interim President Abdelkader Bensalah and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui.

According to protesters, elections held under the current system would not be fair or transparent. A poll planned for July was abandoned due to a lack of popular support.

Candidates for the December 12 election include former prime ministers Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Ali Benflis, former culture minister Azzedine Mihoubi, former tourism minister Abdelkader Bengrine, and Abdelaziz Belaid, head of the El Mostakbal Movement party.

Head of the election authority Mohamed Chorfi said: “There will be full transparency in the handling of the presidential election.”