Incumbent Leader Looks Headed to Win Runoff

Niger’s President Mamadou Tandja looked set to win another five-year term as head of one of the world’s poorest nations after a strong voter turnout in a second round of elections.

Tandja, a former army officer credited with bringing a measure of political and economic stability to the mostly desert nation, is expected to win the runoff after sealing the support of the parliament speaker, who finished third in the first round.

Niger is also holding parliamentary elections with candidates from about 20 parties battling for 113 seats, 10% of them reserved for women. More than 500 national and international observers are overseeing the vote. Preliminary results were not expected for a few days.