A draft constitution presented by the Algerian presidency earlier this month caused a sharp division within the opposition blocs, including Islamists, secularists, and liberals.
The presidency had vowed to consider all observations and notes presented by various parties before adopting the final version of the constitution, which will be presented to parliament for approval, and then for a popular referendum.
The head of Jil Jadid party, Soufiane Gilali, indicated that the draft includes several positive components such as promoting freedom of the press by preventing any form of censorship.
Gilali was a known opponent of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, but since President Abdelmadjid Tebboune came to power, he showed support for the reforms he launched.
However, Gilali was strongly criticized for not objecting to the imprisonment of activists of the popular movement.
Meanwhile, Rally for Culture and Democracy rejected the new constitution and condemned the attempts of “settling scores” between the conflicting parties.
The secular party rejected the provisions that restrict freedoms, especially measures taken against those protesting abusive practices, about the procedures authorities made before announcing the constitutional changes.
Before announcing the new amendments, authorities tightened penalties in the criminal law against those whose social media posts are deemed offensive against political and social figures.
Leader of Society for Peace Islamist Movement, Nasser Hamadouche, said that the constitution is falsifying the recent history founded by most of the Algerian people during the popular movement.
He warned that the amendments reduce people's ambitions and demands to "mere profound social transformations, as if the popular movement was just a protest against social, factional, or professional demands."
Hamadouche strongly criticized the president for retaining significant powers in the draft, the same issue that was refused under President Bouteflika's tenure. He referred to Tebboune’s electoral campaign when he promised to cede many of his powers to the parliament and the government.
However, Elbinaa Islamist party welcomed the amendments saying it considers them as part of the major reforms the country is undergoing.
The party asserted it had some preliminary remarks on the draft, especially on the articles relating to national security as well as the beliefs and values of the people.
The party noted that Algerians are looking for a constitution that reflects the spirit of the popular movement which aims for a true and stable democracy.
Last week, presidential spokesman Mohammed Al-Saeed confirmed that the draft includes proposals for amendments that can be changed or rejected.
