Ailing Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who has not spoken in public in two years, submitted Monday in person his candidacy to run for a fourth term, APS news agency said.

A reporter for the national news agency said Bouteflika, 77, arrived at the constitutional council to present his documents, without giving further details.

Bouteflika, who has ruled Algeria since 1999, announced late last month he plans to seek re-election in the April 17 vote, despite worries over his health and criticism from his detractors.