Niger's junta leader called on voters for a massive turnout Monday to close the door on military rule by electing a new, civilian president to head one of the world's poorest countries. The Sahelian country's 6.7 million registered voters must choose between three former allies of deposed ex-president Mamadou Tandja and a long-time opponent of the former leader.
The new president will have the task of leading one of the world's top uranium producers out from under the shadow of the growing threat of al Qaeda-linked militants. Junta leader Salou Djibo voted in Niamey's city hall, accompanied by other members of his leadership team and appealed for a large turnout after polling booths opened at 8:00 am (0700 GMT) for the presidential and legislative elections. "I call on all the people of Niger to come out to vote in massive numbers to elect their deputies and president," he said, saying the polls offer "a new start for Niger."