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Niger holds poll on third term Niger holds poll on third term
(about 1 hour later)
A referendum is being held in Niger which would allow President Mamadou Tandja to seek a third term in office. Niger is holding a referendum to decide on President Mamadou Tandja's divisive plan to change the constitution and run for a third term in office.
The proposal has deeply divided the country and the opposition is calling on voters to boycott the poll, which they describe as a coup d'etat. Opposition groups are urging voters to boycott the poll and the EU and UN have expressed concern at Mr Tandja's plans.
Mr Tandja has dissolved both parliament and the constitutional court to push through his referendum plan. The president has dissolved both parliament and the constitutional court to push through the referendum.
The president's supporters say he has boosted living standards in one of the world's poorest countries. His backers say he has boosted living standards during 10 years in power and deserves to remain in office.
He says the people want him to stay in power, and his actions reflect their will. The president says he needs more time to complete multi-billion-dollar projects such as a uranium mine, an oil refinery and a dam on the River Niger.
But his efforts have caused widespread protests and sparked international condemnation. It's a great day, our wish has been fulfilled President Mamadou Tandja
MAMADOU TANDJA Former army colonel, part of 1974 coupFirst elected in 1999First Niger leader to be re-elected - in 2004Says he must stay in office to continue economic projectsCritics say the referendum is the same as a coup class="" href="/2/hi/africa/8181537.stm">Profile: Mamadou Tandja But his critics portray him as a classic strongman determined to hold on to power so he can benefit financially from the projects he has started.
Huge posters of Mr Tandja have been plastered throughout the capital, Niamey, and other main cities. The BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey says there is a heavy security presence in the capital, with troops and police on every street corner.
The BBC's Idy Baraou in Niamey says state media has been calling on voters to say "Yes" to changing the constitution so the 71-year-old president can stay in office. But he says the atmosphere is peaceful with no signs of opposition protests or unrest.
EU warning
State media has been calling on voters to say "Yes" to changing the constitution so the 71-year-old president can stay in office.
The official campaign says a "Yes" will improve people's lives, whereas a "No" vote means the country will remain mired in poverty.The official campaign says a "Yes" will improve people's lives, whereas a "No" vote means the country will remain mired in poverty.
MAMADOU TANDJA Former army colonel, part of 1974 coupFirst elected in 1999First Niger leader to be re-elected - in 2004Says he must stay in office to continue economic projectsCritics say the referendum is the same as a coup Profile: Mamadou Tandja
The move would allow him an initial three-year term, and then he would be able to run for re-election with no term limits.The move would allow him an initial three-year term, and then he would be able to run for re-election with no term limits.
Mr Tandja's government has meticulously organised the poll, with security forces voting on Monday to ensure they are free to guard polling stations on Tuesday.
Casting his vote in Niamey, Mr Tandja said he was "fully satisfied" that he had done his duty as president.
"It's a great day, our wish has been fulfilled," he said.
Mr Tandja was first elected in 1999, and then again five years later.Mr Tandja was first elected in 1999, and then again five years later.
He had previously promised to quit in December this year, a month after presidential elections are due to be held.He had previously promised to quit in December this year, a month after presidential elections are due to be held.
But the president's supporters argue he should be allowed a third term. Internal opposition has been led by Mahamadou Issoufou, who was beaten by Mr Tandja in presidential polls in 1999 and 2004.
They point to his success in sealing deals with international energy firms over oil and uranium exploration. He has been calling on the estimated six million registered voters to boycott the ballot.
And the president has argued that he needs more time to finish other large projects, such as a dam on the River Niger, which is intended to increase electricity generation and provide irrigation to help local farmers. There have been two huge rallies and two abortive general strikes by opponents of Mr Tandja.
The EU has already suspended an aid payment and warned of "serious consequences" for its co-operation with Niger if the president carries through his plans.
Will you be voting in the referendum? Send us your views using the postform below.Will you be voting in the referendum? Send us your views using the postform below.
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