Algerians took to the streets in droves on Friday to protest against the government and ruling political class. Buoyed by the national football teams qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations semi finals and after celebrating late into the night, Algerians flooded the streets of the capital to once again press their demands for an overhaul of the North African countrys political leadership. Mass protests forced longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to resign in early April, but demonstrators have kept up the pressure, calling for all regime insiders to step aside. The protest movement -- now in its 21st week -- is also demanding the establishment of independent institutions to oversee fresh elections. Calling for a "civilian, not military, state" the demonstrators flooded the streets of central Algiers, despite the deployment of large numbers of police from early morning. Long lines of police vans were parked on either side of the road where protesters marched, significantly reducing the space available for demonstrators. Engine oil was poured on steps, railings and other areas where protesters have been known to gather, AFP reporters said, apparently to keep them at bay. Police also detained a dozen demonstrators for no apparent reason, as in past rallies, reporters said. "There is a clear will (by the police) to stop peaceful marches in Algiers," tweeted Said Salhi, vice president of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights, known by its French acronym LADDH. He denounced an "impressive police deployment" which he said included "roadblocks" at the entrances to the capital to check the identities of protesters, carry out searches and detain demonstrators. Protester Aicha Sahli said "Im fed up with a government that is imposing itself on the people." "The authorities must understand that we refuse elections (organized) by the kings of fraud," she told AFP. Fridays protest comes as interim President Abdelkader Bensalah remains in post, in the absence of elections after his mandate expired on Tuesday. Bensalah last week called for a national dialogue without the involvement of the state or the military to pave the way for presidential elections, after polls planned for early July were scrapped. Algerian army chief Ahmed Gaed Salah, who has emerged as the countrys key power broker since Bouteflika stepped down, backs Bensalah. On Wednesday Gaed Salah said that Bensalahs proposal was a "sensible approach" to end Algerias crisis, adding that elections should take place as soon as possible. He also warned against portraying Algeria as a nation that was no longer a "civilian state". The election on Wednesday of Slimane Chenine - who usually takes part in the Friday protests - as head of the National Assembly was widely seen as an attempt by authorities to appease the street demonstrations. But there were protests in cities including Oran, Constatine and Tizi Ouzou.