Violence and vandalism force re-run of some local polls

Local elections are to be re-run in parts of Niger where violence and vandalism impeded vote counting earlier this month, AFP reported today, citing electoral officials. The Independent National Election Commission (CENI) said partial polls would be repeated in constituencies where less than 70 percent of the results were declared. It did not name the constituencies. The elections were hailed as a political landmark in Niger’s history and marked the final phase in the country’s retoration of democracy. But arson, vandalism, theft of ballot papers and intimidation of voters disrupted the 7 February poll. AFP said CENI, in order to reassure foreign donors, has called on the government to punish those responsible for the unrest. Provisional results put a coalition of 11 opposition parties in the lead with 512 seats, against 356 for President Ibrahim Bare Mainassara’s camp, AFP added.