Algerians celebrate Abdelaziz Bouteflika's resignation but wider change is elusive

Algerians are celebrating a new era in after the resignation of longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika after weeks of mass rallies against his rule, but the sweeping change protesters hoped for remains elusive.

They took to the streets on Tuesday to hail the resignation of Mr Bouteflika, 82, but protests look set to continue as his departure does not end a political system that angered them.

Algeria has largely avoided the turmoil unleashed by the Arab uprisings that brought down rulers in neighbouring Tunisia and Libya.

But discontent, particularly among the young, turned to anger after Mr Bouteflika announced in February that he would seek a fifth term in office in an election due this month.

Algeria's 12-member Constitutional Council was set to confirm Mr Bouteflika's departure on Wednesday after the ailing leader was shown on national television in a frail state handing in his resignation the day before.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika sits in wheelchair as he presents his resignation on April 2, 2019. AP

The country's constitution says that when a president dies or resigns, the council confirms his absence and both houses of parliament convene.

The president of the upper house is named interim leader for 90 days while a presidential election is organised.

The upper house president is Abdelkader Bensalah, an ally of Mr Bouteflika ally, as is the Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui.

Their positions will do little to ease the concerns of protesters, who want a more open, less corrupt political system.

Mr Bedoui is accused of contributing to fraud at the last presidential election in 2014, and of cracking down on past protests.

The US said the future of Algeria was in its own hands.

"Questions about how to