×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Niger eyes return to civilian rule

NAIROBI - NIGER goes to the polls today to vote for a new leader almost one year after the military deposed President Mamadou Tandja.

Niger has faced a succession of coups and juntas since independence from France in 1960.

No candidate from the junta is standing in elections promised after the army arrested Tandja when he attempted to cling to power beyond the constitutional limit of two five-year terms.

The former leader will watch from his jail cell as former prime minister Seini Oumarou of his National Movement for the Development of Society party takes on opposition leader Mahamadou Issoufou.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.