Niger junta vows to stay out of presidential election

Niger’s coup leader says no member of the military junta will be allowed to stand in the country’s presidential election.

Junta leader Salou Djibo says the decision has been taken to ensure an impartial transition of power to civilian authority.

“To ensure a serene and impartial transition, we pledge that no member of the Supreme Council or of the transition government will be a candidate in the coming presidential elections,” Djibo said on state radio on Sunday.

However, the date of the presidential election has not yet been announced.

The junta seized power on February 18, overthrowing long-time president Mamadou Tandja.

President Tandja had remained in office by amending the part of the Constitution that had barred him from running for re-election.