Ruling occasion candidate Mohamed Bazoum was declared the winner of Niger’s presidential election on Tuesday whereas his opponent alleged fraud and opposition supporters burned tyres within the streets, Trend stories citing Reuters.
Bazoum, a 61-year-old former inside minister, gained 55.75% of the vote in Sunday’s election, in response to the electoral fee. He beat Mahamane Ousmane, a former president who was toppled by a coup in 1996. The provisional outcomes should nonetheless be confirmed by the constitutional courtroom.
The election is supposed to usher in Niger’s first transition from one democratically elected chief to a different, with President Mahamadou Issoufou stepping down after two five-year phrases.
“I’m profoundly grateful to the folks of Niger for the arrogance they’ve proven by electing me president of the republic,” Bazoum stated on Twitter. “I will likely be a loyal servant to it to confront all the issues that our nation faces.”
Shortly earlier than the outcomes had been declared, Ousmane’s marketing campaign stated there had been widespread fraud, together with the theft and stuffing of poll containers and threats towards voters. It didn’t present any proof.
“We demand the quick suspension of the publication of those outcomes, which don’t in any manner take note of the expressed will of the Nigerien folks for change,” Ousmane’s marketing campaign supervisor stated in an announcement.
Outdoors Ousmane’s marketing campaign headquarters and in different elements of the capital Niamey, his supporters protested by burning tyres. Police fired tear fuel to disperse them.
The electoral fee has not but commented on the allegations of irregularities. An observer mission from the Financial Group of West African States stated the vote was held “below free, honest, credible and clear situations”.
It was marred, nonetheless, by two assaults that killed eight folks in two areas the place Islamist militants are energetic, fee president Issaka Souna stated.
Seven of the victims had been election staff within the western Tillabery area, close to the border with Mali, whose automobile struck a landmine as they headed to the polls.
