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Almost 7.5 million people in Niger are expected to cast their vote in a run-off Sunday.
During the first election on December 27, 2020, none of the 30 validated candidates for the election secured a majority of the votes and this pushed the election into a run-off where the two front runners are in contention.
The Presidential run-off is between Mohamed Bazoum from the ruling Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS) and former President Mahamane Ousmane of the Renewed Democratic and Republican Party.
Niger’s President
Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou is stepping down after serving two five-year terms, which will lead to the country’s first transfer of democratic power.
The presidential election in Niger Republic which was held on December 27, 2020, is heading for a second round run-off on February 20, as no candidate was able to clinch the needed majority for a first round win.
According to African News, former Prime Minister and candidate of the ruling party who was the favorite to win, Mohammed Bazoum, came first with 39.33 percent of the vote.
He will go head to head with former President Mahamane Ousmane, who came second with 16.99 percent of votes, according to results announced by the Nigerien Electoral Commission Saturday, January 2.
Bazoum who is the Interior Minister and a right hand man of the outgoing President Mahamadou Issoufou, was hoping for a one-touch victory in the first round, but will now have to seek alliances before the second round of polls on February 20.