Niger: Polls open in tense presidential and parliamentary elections

Voting is underway in Niger’s presidential and paliamentary elections.

15 candidates including the incumbent president are gunning for the country’s top job. President Mahamadou Issoufou is hoping to secure a second term in the West African nation. The most direct threat to Issoufou’s re-election, Hama Amadou, who is contesting from jail has been accused of trafficking babies, a charge he strongly denies. > Best wishes for smooth & peaceful polls as the people of #Niger vote in Legislative & Presidential #Elections. #NigerDecides

— Dr Dlamini Zuma (@DlaminiZuma) February 21, 2016

The run-up to the vote has been marred by accusations of repression and a row over identification documents. > Voting underway at center in Niamey where President will cast his ballot #Niger pic.twitter.com/mv272Bl83t

— Maggie Fick (@MaggieFick) February 21, 2016

The country is far from stable with corruption, food shortages and porous borders remaining serious problems. The answer now lie in the hands of 7.5 million eligible voters, with results due within five days. > #NigerVote une heure de retard dans de nbreux bureaux de vote de Niamey #Takara2016 pic.twitter.com/CSTX5etXU2

— Nicolas Pinault (@PinaultNicolas) February 21, 2016

African Union Heads have called for peaceful elections.