A retired Algerian army general on Thursday declared his intention to contest presidential elections slated for July 4.

Ghediri, 64, retired from the military in 2015 after serving as director of human resources at the Defense Ministry for 15 years.

Holding a PhD in political science, Ghediri graduated from the Naval Academy in St. Petersburg before earning a degree in naval engineering from Moscow’s Military Academy.

The Algerian army is currently overseeing a 90-day transitional period during which presidential elections will be held.

On Tuesday, Parliament Speaker Abdelkader Bensaleh was appointed interim president, vowing to hold “fair and transparent” elections within 90 days.

Bensaleh replaces President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who stepped down last week after two decades in power following weeks of popular protests against his rule.