Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika issued a decree on Friday calling a much anticipated presidential election for April 18.

Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika is seen heading to vote at a polling station in Algiers on November 23, 2017 as Algeria goes to the polls for local elections. (File photo: VCG)

Bouteflika "issued a presidential decree calling voters to the polls for a presidential election that will take place on Thursday, April 18," a statement from his office said.