Voting commences for Nigerien presidential poll

Gbenga Bada 14:07 - 21 February 2016

Incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou speaks at a campaign rally in Niamey, Niger, February 18, 2016. Niger holds presidential and legislative elections on Sunday. REUTERS/Joe Penney

Several Nigerian security agencies were seen keeping vigil at the centre, while accreditation and voting were going on simultaneously.

Voting has commenced at the Sokoto centre in Sundays Presidential election of Niger Republic.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dozens of eligible voters were seen queuing up, waiting to be accredited by the officials of the Nigerien National Electoral Commission (CENI).

NAN reports that President Mahamadou Issoufou is running for a second term with a promise to crush Islamist militants and develop the economy in one of the poorest countries in the world.

He faces 14 candidates including Seyni Oumaru, leader of an opposition coalition.