Algerian Army Chief of Staff Gaid Salah on Monday reassured that the military institution will endorse no particular candidate in the presidential election on Dec. 12, reports Trend citing to Xinhuanet.com.
He made such remarks during a visit to the second military zone in the northwestern province of Oran, adding "we emphasize in this regard that it is up to the people to chose the next president through polls."
Gaid Salah was referring to some allegations that the army is due to back up the former Prime Minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who is said close to the entourage of the army chief.
Salah further stressed that all measures to guarantee fair and free elections will be carried out, assuring that "I have instructed chiefs of military zones and security forces to take immediately all necessary measures to secure the electoral process across the country, ahead of enabling the people to perform their electoral duty within security and serenity.''
In mid September, Algerian interim President Abdelkader Bensalah announced the presidential election to be held on Dec. 12.
So far, as many as 80 people have shown their will to run for the election.