As the polls approach, deep divisions focus more on candidates\u2019 personal backgrounds than Niger\u2019s security and development challenges.<\/p>\n
by Ornella Moderan and Habibou Souley Bako<\/p>\n
On 13 and 27 December, some 7.4 million Nigeriens vote in the country\u2019s local, legislative and presidential elections. The polls could mark the first peaceful transfer of power between two elected presidents \u2013 a potentially significant outcome for a country that has seen four coups since independence in 1960 and repeated interruptions of its democratic processes.<\/p>\n
But political dialogue has stalled over the past five years, and divisions have depended over the individual candidates running for election rather than the country\u2019s needs. This situation threatens the prospect of a peaceful handover after the coming polls.<\/p>\n
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It\u2019s not the first time the authenticity of leaders\u2019 citizenship is being questioned. Former presidents Mahamane Ousmane and Mamadou Tandja underwent the same treatment. Given the recurrence of such controversies, civil registration reform has more than administrative value. It could prevent certain political conflicts by improving the veracity of documents legally required to run for office.<\/p>\n
A reliable registration system would also strengthen public belief in future voter registers. It would smooth the administration\u2019s functioning and individuals\u2019 access to their civil rights. Given the ongoing security crisis in Niger, a sound civil register would also improve the country\u2019s capacity to track suspects, as changing identity would be harder.<\/p>\n
A law dealing with a stronger civil registration system was adopted in 2019, reflecting the government\u2019s commitment to upgrading Niger\u2019s public records capacity. The incoming government will need to maintain momentum and ensure the legislation is implemented.<\/p>\n
The task may seem daunting, given the size of Niger\u2019s territory (1 267 000 km\u00b2 \u2013 the sixth largest country in Africa) and the accumulated backlog. But the electoral commission\u2019s mobile court hearings between 2018 and early 2020 showed that results are possible. The campaign took civil registration services to people even in remote areas and delivered over 5.8 million civil status documents in just a few months.<\/p>\n