Nigeriens Are Voting In A Presidential Election

Nigeriens Are Voting In A Presidential Election

Voters in Niger are casting their ballots in an election meant to hand power back to civilians in the uranium producing West African nation.

Among the candidates seeking the presidency are veteran opposition leader Mahamadou Issoufou and two former premiers; Seini Oumarou of Tandja's MNSD party and Hama Amadou.

Parliamentary elections are being held simultaneously.

The rival candidates had requested a delay to the elections, after logistics challenges were noticed during local and municipal elections earlier this month and had sought to have the electoral commission replaced.

Eight of the election's ten candidates had called for delays to the vote to allow time for better preparations.

Military promised to leave

The election commission said over the weekend it had been informed that fake voter ID cards were sold prior to the poll.

The military junta has refused to alter the schedule and has promised to leave power by April, giving time for a likely second round in March.

"It gives me a feeling of real satisfaction and hope," said junta leader General Salou Djibo after casting his ballot in the capital under heavy security .

"Hope because it is a new beginning for Niger, a departure that will allow new leaders to focus on development." Djibo added.

Niger is among the world's poorest countries and is facing a growing threat from al Qaeda-linked militants operating in its northern desert region, but its minerals riches have drawn billions of dollars in planned investments.

The junta took power in February 2010 after toppling then-president Mamadou Tandja, who had attempted to extend his time in power by altering the constitution.

The military government has given assurances that it was committed to stepping down by April.

REUTERS/Margaret/Yinka