Algeria’s ailing and ageing president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, is seeking a fifth term in the upcoming presidential elections.

Bouteflika, 82, announced in a message published by state media that he would be contesting the April elections as leader of the ruling National Liberation Front party. He is likely to win in a country with tightly controlled politics, weak opposition parties and limited press freedoms.

He is severely sick after suffering a stroke and has rarely been seen in public since 2013.  He is confined to a wheelchair and has cancelled recent official meetings.

Bouteflika insisted his “unwavering desire” to serve Algeria allowed him to “transcend the constraints of health concerns”.

Critics say this makes it difficult for him to carry out his duties. Bouteflika has been in office since 1999 and many Algerians credit him with restoring peace after a decade of violence