Algeria

For many Algerians it is difficult to understand how their 82-year-old president, who suffered a stroke six years ago and can hardly walk or talk, can run the country.
This turned to disbelief when it was announced that Abdelaziz Bouteflika was running for a fifth term in April - he did not even turn up in person on Sunday to register his candidacy.
A wave of anger has moved students, teachers, lawyers and even journalists onto the streets in protest - they seem determined not to accept the continued status quo of rule by a virtually invisible leader.
Many worry that a failure to find a successor to President Bouteflika, who came to power in 1999, could lead to instability should he die in office.

The TV leader

His last known public address was in 2014 - a victory speech to thank Algerians for their renewed confidence in his leadership after he won the last presidential election.

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