Whether or not a president accepts terms limits is rapidly becoming a good proxy for a functioning democracy. Given the countries last year that passed constitutional amendments so as to allow the incumbent to remain in office (Algeria, Azerbaijan, Cameroon), the democratic trend seems to be downward. However, perhaps Niger is about to prove otherwise.

As reported in a previous post, President Tandja is term limited. While there have been calls for him to stand again, jeuneafrique is reporting that the political class is generally opposed to a new term.

Specifically, the different elements of the system seem to be making hay from the difficulties within President Tandja’s MNSD party to call for elections under the existing provision. For example, former president, Mahamane Ousmane, of the CDS, a government ally, has come out against a new presidential term. Other government allies have done the same.

Art. 135 of the 1999 Constitution makes constitutional reform quite difficult. If 4/5ths of National Assembly members vote for an amendment, then it is automatically passed. However, if ‘only’ 3/4 vote for it, then the proposal must go to a referendum. Below that figure, then the reform fails. In the current circumstances, any reform is unlikely to win 3/4, never mind 4/5 support in the Assembly.