Algerian police prevented opposition leaders from marching on Wednesday to demand a boycott of next month's election, in which President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is seeking a fourth term in power.

Bouteflika, 77, registered his candidacy for the April 17 vote last week, one of the few times he has spoken in public since suffering a stroke last year that has raised opposition questions about his ability to govern.

Police stopped protesters from the RCD and MSP -- some 50 or 60 people -- who were showing red signs with the word 'Boycott', saying their demonstration was illegal.

With the backing of the National Liberation Front (FLN) party and the army, Bouteflika is almost assured five more years in power.

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