Niger President Faces Runoff in Controversial Election

In February, incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou failed to reach the necessary threshold for the second-round ballot process, leading to a runoff that took place on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. Officials flew primary opponent Hama Amadou to France to receive medical treatment.

In February, incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou failed to reach the necessary threshold for the second-round ballot process, leading to a runoff that took place on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. Officials flew primary opponent Hama Amadou to France to receive medical treatment.

The opposition has highlighted alleged fraud during the first round, vowing to ignore the runoff results entirely. Niger is one of the poorest countries in West Africa and has been a breeding ground for Islamic extremism. Issoufou won the first-round election by 48 percent, while Amadou reached second place with 18 percent.

According to run-off projections, Issoufou stands the best chance of winning first-round balloting. The president’s popularity stems from his fight against radicalism, particularly extremist group, Boko Haram. The organization established operations in Nigeria, but has spread its tentacles to other countries such as Mali and Niger.

Niger is home to French forces and American drone bases that combat extremist incursions. Issoufou will gain a five-year second term, and many Nigeriens believe he deserves a win because of his steadfast resolve against terrorism, but the election process has taken an odd turn. Amadou has campaigned behind bars since November due to his detainment over allegations of child trafficking, but he labeled the charges as politically motivated.

His subsequent ailment and absence from Niger raises questions about the election, and it gives the opposition potent ammunition in de-legitimizing the president’s potential victory. Officials have thus far failed to disclose the nature of his ailment. Regardless of the outcome, Niger’s dark path will continue if leaders on both sides fail to institute significant reform.

Niger is primarily an agricultural economy, but most of the nation’s desert terrain is not suitable for crop production. Only 35 percent of Niger’s land is conducive for raising crops, notes AFP. The nation has a plethora of natural resources in the form of uranium, iron ore and tungsten, but the economy hasn’t been developed to achieve substantial revenue from precious minerals.

The commodities downturn has placed a greater strain on an already struggling economy. Niger is the fourth-largest exporter of uranium and entered the oil trade in 2011, but such endeavors are not enough to alleviate widespread poverty throughout the country. Because of the economy’s poor state, many Nigeriens depend on remittances from relatives who work abroad.

Leaders lack the necessary resources when it comes to improving living standards and policymakers are more concerned with solidifying power as they repress all forms of dissent, including journalism. Niger also has a history of corruption and despotism going back to the country’s democratic inception in 1993.

Before the economy can prosper, Niger needs to get beyond its fierce partnership and authoritarian style of governance, but such outcomes seem unlikely in the near future.