Niger is due to hold presidential and legislative elections on December 27.

Bordering Burkina Faso, Mali, and Nigeria, Niger is attacked frequently by armed groups from neighbouring countries, and whole areas along its borders are effectively lawless.

Nearly a thousand Nigeriens have been killed in such attacks.

Niger is also badly affected by climate change and food insecurity. It is also geographically at the crossroads for Central and West African migrants hoping to reach Europe via Libya.

President Issoufou Mahamadou, in power since 2010, has said he will not stand for a third term.

The ruling PNDS Tarayya party has nominated former interior minister, Mohamed Bazoum. 29 other candidates are in the running.

Many believe it will be a two-horse race between PNDS Tarayya and MNSD Nasara.

Niger has 7.5M registered voters, 55% of them are women. If no presidential candidate receives more than 50%, there’ll be a run-off on February 21, 2021.