Algiers  - Algerian Presidnet Abdelaziz Bouteflika has set a date of April 9 for presidential elections, and has invited several international groups to send observers, Algiers said Saturday.

A presidential palace statement said Bouteflika had named former justice minister Mohamed Teguia to head the election commission for the voting.

He also invited the Organisation of Islamic Conference, the Arab League and the African Union to send observers to monitor the elections, the statment said.

The setting of the election date follows the move by the Algerian parliament in November to approve a constitutional amendment permitting Bouteflika, who has served as president since 1999, to run for office again.

The major opposition parties protested against the parliament decision and said they would not pose any serious candidates, alleging that the election result would be a forgone conclusion.

Bouteflika on Saturday meanwhile received Cuban President Raul Castro in the latest stop of the Havana leader's current international tour. (dpa)