The article ‘Discontent Swells as President of Algeria Seeks a Fourth Term’ seeks to give the perception of the Algerians about the intention of the incumbent president’s, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, intention to run for the fourth time. Abdelaziz has ruled the country for the last 15 years and, his intention to run again despite his ill health is drawing mixed reactions. While some support him for playing a major role in ending the civil war of the 1990s, others feel that it is time for new and fresh leadership. Additionally, reports of violent protests have also been received, especially the one that forced Abdelmalek Selal, the former prime minister, to cut short his campaign for the re-election of the president; and the political protests reported in the capital.
The concept this article illustrates is nationalism which is defined as an ideological movement for attaining and maintaining autonomy, unity and identity for a population which some of its members deem to constitute an actual or possible nation (Smith 2010, p. 9).
The definition of nationalism prescribes certain kinds of action. From the article, the incumbent president is aware that his intention to cling to power is leading to discontent among the citizens. This has even caused disunity among some major organs of the government whose key roles revolve around providing security. In order to attain and maintain unity in Algeria, it is advisable for the president to reconsider his bid for another re-election since when a country approaches an election while disunited; chances are high that the disunity will continue after elections. Hence, the idea of nationalism should help the president in making decisions that would be for the benefit of the country and him.
Works Cited
Smith, Anthony D.. Nationalism. New York: Harper & Row, 2010. Print.
Zerdoumi, Amir, and Carlotta Gall. "Discontent Swells as President of Algeria Seeks a Fourth Term." The New York Times. The New York Times, 13 Apr. 2014. Web. 18 Apr. 2014. <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/14/world/africa/discontent-swells-as-president-of- algeria-seeks-a-fourth-term.html?ref=world&_r=1>.
