Despite being weakened after a stroke, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is the best equipped candidate to lead Algeria, according to his election campaign manager who says Bouteflika has recovered strongly enough to govern. <br /><br />The 77-year-old has remained mostly out of the public eye since his stroke a year ago, apart from brief television appearances.<br /><br />Despite his absence, Bouteflika is almost guaranteed a fourth term after 15 years leading the nation with the backing of loyal army factions and the dominant National Liberation Front (FLN).<br /><br />Meanwhile, supporters of opposition leader Ali Benflis say a change is needed to make Algeria a better place. <br /><br />Five opposition parties, including Islamist and secular movements, have announced a boycott of the election. They say the vote is unfairly tilted in favour of the FLN.<br /><br />Many young Algerians are dismissive of party politics but <br />protests are common over food prices, unemployment and housing – the same issues that exploded into revolution three years ago in neighbouring Tunisia.
