Niger election: Voters choose president in tense polls

Vote counting is underway in Niger following Sunday’s presidential and parliamentary elections.  

President Mahamadou Issoufou is hoping to secure a second term in the impoverished West African nation. 

His main rival, Hama Amadou, is currently behind bars accused of trafficking babies, a charge he strongly denies. 

The run-up to the vote was marred by accusations of repression and a row over identification documents. 

The authorities announced that about one point five million people without ID papers would be able to cast their ballots by having witnesses vouch for them, a move that was condemned by opposition leaders. 

Niger is rich in natural resources, including uranium and oil, but is one of the poorest countries in the world ranking last in the UN Human Development Index.

BBC