Niger holds tense vote

NIAMEY: Niger closed its borders and ramped up security on Sunday for an election in which President Mahamadou Issoufou is running for a second term with a promise to crush Islamist militants and develop one of the poorest countries in the world.

Security forces patrolled the main cities and villages in a bid to foil possible unrest or a potential plot by militants.

In another sign of heightened security, the interior minister said the country’s land borders would be closed.

Some voters said they had never experienced such a tense election.

"Niger needs strong democratic institutions. I hope that the presidential and legislative elections will permit us to reinforce our institutions," Issoufou said when he cast his ballot at city hall in the capital Niamey.

He faces 14 candidates including Seyni Oumaru, leader of an opposition coalition.

Critics say Issoufou has used political repression in the run-up to the vote, arresting opposition supporters and jailing opposition leader Hama Amadou over charges related to a baby-trafficking ring.

"These are not free and fair elections. We have one presidential candidate in prison who has not been able to campaign ...The president has manipulated the electorate and used repression," said Amadou Saidou when he voted.

The government says it respects the law and calls the charges politically motivated.  Voting began at 8am local time (0700 GMT) and initial turnout was low.