NIAMEY, Niger, March 13 (UPI) -- The head of Niger's military called this weekend's peaceful presidential elections a success and an example for the rest of Africa.
Gen. Salou Djibi, who also is leader of Niger's military junta, called the run-off vote "a great day for me and for all Nigeriens."
"If this honorable vote is a success, our democratic achievement will set an example for the rest of Africa," Djibi told reporters as he cast his own vote.
The junta led a coup that last year toppled President Mamadou Tandja, who had attempted to stay in power after reaching his 10-year term limit.
The BBC said Sunday the coup was largely popular with Niger's population and the military has pledged to step down from power in April.
Saturday's election was between a Tandja ally, Seini Oumarou, and opposition leader Mahamadou Issoufou. The junta did not formally endorse either one.
Niger is located in western Africa and has sizable reserves of uranium that have been attracting international investment, the BBC said.
