- Washington “follows with interest” Morocco’s openness onto Africa (John Kerry)Posted 11 years ago
- The trial of South African Paralympic champion Oscar Pistorius opened in Pretoria on Monday.Posted 11 years ago
- USA welcomes efforts of King Mohammed VI in MaliPosted 11 years ago
- Egypt’s population reaches 94 millionPosted 11 years ago
- Mugabe celebrates his 90thPosted 11 years ago
- Moroccan Monarch to Build a Perinatal Clinic in BamakoPosted 11 years ago
- King Mohammed VI handed a donation of bovine semen for the benefit of Malian breeders.Posted 11 years ago
- Moroccan King’s strategic tour to Africa: Strengthening the will of pan African Solidarity and stimulating the south-south cooperation mechanisms over the continentPosted 12 years ago
- Senior al-Qaida leader killed in AlgeriaPosted 12 years ago
- Libya: The trial of former Prime Minister al-Baghdadi AliPosted 12 years ago
NIGER: The New Constitution
October 31, the next Sunday, the Nigerians are asked to vote for the new Constitution which bears the hallmark of the junta in power since last February. But observers are wondering why the people of Niger do not show a particular enthusiasm for the referendum.
Why this indifference is due for? Probably, it is due to the political climate in Niger. This could also be due to the fact that the proposed new constitution by General Djibo and his men has a total unanimity within the people as it has been openly discussed and amended in an open democratic way. It is now submitted by referendum to the people of Niger. There could be another supposition that the Nigerians, especially the politicians, do not care too much of this referendum because it is probably of no major issues. They are quite eager to turn the page of this military period. Thus they are saving their strength to better deploy it in the upcoming elections. In fine, whatever the cause of this lack of enthusiasm is, the participation rate will be crucial. It will be a barometer as to the actual accession of Niger to the Constitution. Admittedly, there has been no large-scale campaign to defend or disapprove the new constitution proposed by the junta. But it is understood that the vote will be open and free. Hereafter, on the evening of October 31, it will be known if the new constitution has met or none the people of Niger aspiration. If ever this lack of enthusiasm is proved by a low turnout, then the message would be of high significance to the rulers.