26th February, 2016
Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou won 48.4 per cent of the votes in Sunday’s elections, the electoral commission said, Reuters news agency reports.
This means a second round of voting will be held between Mr Issoufou and his main challenger, the detained opposition leader, Hamma Amadou, who came second with 17.8%.
The run-off vote will take place on 20 March.
Security was tightened in Niger’s capital, Niamey, ahead of the announcement of the results of the country’s presidential elections expected later today.
Police and the military are seen patrolling the streets and in some strategic places.
An unprecedented delay in announcing the results of Sunday’s polls has caused anxiety in the country and the opposition have alleged rigging, an allegation denied by both the electoral commission and the ruling party.