President of Niger represents the nation in the international political arena, as the constitutional head of the country. In fact, he is considered as the head of the state on whose name the government of Niger runs officially. However, the newly amended Constitution of Niger restored the country with semi-presidential governmental system.
The procedure followed in electing the
President of Niger is totally different from rest of the elections in the country, having lots of similarities with that of the Indian President. The President in Niger is elected for a term of five years and along with the Prime Minister, shares and exercises the executive powers of the government.
Niger President is elected by means of universal adult suffrage which involves independent, equal and secret balloting. However, there always exists a possibility for the re-election of the same President to a second term in his office. As the Head of the State, the Niger President chooses the Prime Minister from a list of three candidates, selected by majority votes in the election and offers him formal appointment.
The President of Niger enjoys certain political powers and exercises a handful of duties. Mentioned below are some functions performed by the President in power:
- The President is responsible for giving formal assent to all the bills and signing them
- As the Head of the National Assembly, the President summons the legislature and has the powers to even dissolve it
- He is empowered to refer back a bill to the National Assembly for reconsidering its constitutionality
- Only the President is entitled to pardon or reprieve offenders, and remit any penalties, forfeitures or fines on their part
- The President confers both military and civil awards and honors upon the inhabitants of Niger
- He may make appointments occasionally, if required to do so under the request of the legislation or as per the Constitutional rules and laws
- He appoints enquiry commissions on as per political demands and requirements of the nation
- The Niger President receives and recognizes ambassadors, foreign diplomats and consular delegates and even offers appointments to them
