Algeria’s President Abdelaziz Bouteflika postponed the April presidential election Monday and withdrew his candidacy, according to the state-run news agency.

Bouteflika’s announcement came amid mass protests against his nomination seeking a fifth term in elections previously slated for April 18, the Algeria Press Service said.

 “I do understand the motivations of the numerous compatriots who choose this way of expression of which I once again hail the peaceful nature,” he said as quoted by the news agency.

Emphasizing he received the message given by youngsters regarding their “anxiety and ambition for their own future,” he said the establishment of a renovating project would require more explanations to “clear doubts” of the Algerian society.

 Bouteflika said made decision based on his loyalty oath before Algerians to “protect and promote in all the circumstances the interests of our country.”

He noted there will be “capital changes” within the government.

Bouteflika decided to launch a dialogue with various segments of society to reach a formula for a new Constitution that will be referred to a popular referendum.

“There will be no fifth term and there has never been any question for me, since my health condition and my age assign me as an ultimate duty, to the Algerian people,” he said. The country is going through “a sensitive stage” in its history.

“This is to meet a pressing request that you have been many to express to me in your concern to remove any misunderstanding as to the desirability and irreversibility of the generational transmission to which I am committed,” he said of the elections

Bouteflika said the Inclusive and Independent National Conference would be a forum which has all the authorities necessary for debating and adopting all types of reforms that will be “the foundation for the new system.”

He also said the conference would work in a free environment as well as representing all groups in the Algerian society, and added: “The conference should strive to complete its mandate by the end of 2019.”

Election to be held after conference

 “The Presidential Election, which will take place in the wake of the Inclusive and Independent National Conference, will be organized under the exclusive authority of an Independent National Electoral Commission whose mandate, composition and mode of operation will be codified in a legislative text,” he said.

He noted that a “Government of national competencies”, which will be supported by the National Conference, would be formed to contribute to a transparent and free election.

“This Government will supervise the missions of the public administration and the security services and will fully collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Bouteflika said.

“Finally, I pledge to hand over the prerogatives of the President of the Republic to the successor that the Algerian people will freely elect,” he concluded.

Bouteflika also received Prime Minister Ahmed Ouyahia in Algiers on Monday and Ouyahia “tendered his resignation to him,” according to the same source.

In a Cabinet reshuffle, Bouteflika appointed Noureddine Bedoui, previously serving interior minister, as new prime minister.

Meanwhile, Ramtane Lamamra was appointed deputy prime minister, the state-run agency reported.

Last month, Algeria’s ruling National Liberation Front nominated Bouteflika -- who has ruled Algeria since 1999 -- to run for a fifth term in office.

Since then, for the third consecutive week, thousands of Algerians in different parts of the country, including the capital Algiers, took to the streets to protest Bouteflika’s bid.

Opposition figures have repeatedly urged the aging president, who in 2013 was treated for a blood clot in the brain, to refrain from contesting the election.

*Writing by Sena Guler