An influential Algerian party that was a long-time supporter of Abdelaziz Bouteflika has criticised the ailing president for seeking to stay in power.
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The National Rally for Democracy (RND) has joined ruling party officials, unions and business tycoons who have abandoned Bouteflika in recent days.
"The candidacy of president Abdelaziz Bouteflika for a new term was a big mistake," RND spokesman Seddik Chihab told El Bilad TV.
"Extra constitutional forces have seized power in the past few years and ruled state affairs outside a legal framework."
The move by the RND, which is a member of the ruling coalition, is another setback for the ruling elite after after nearly a month of street protests.
Bouteflika, who has ruled for 20 years, bowed to the protesters last week by reversing plans to stand for a fifth term.
He stopped short of stepping down and said he would stay in office until a new constitution is adopted, effectively extending his current term.
His moves have done nothing to halt demonstrations, which peaked on Friday with hundreds of thousands of protesters on the streets of Algiers, and have continued into this week.
The military, which wields enormous power from behind the scenes, has remained on the sidelines.
Australian Associated Press
