Niger - Political Parties - Profiles
Rally for Democracy and Progress - The People RDP - Jama'a)
Rassemblement pour la Démocratie et le Progrès
The Rassemblement pour la Démocratie et le Progrès - Jama'a for Democracy and Progressive Movement was established in August 1997. It was formerly known as the Democratic Rehabilitation of the National Independent Alliance (UNIRD). Advocated "update democracy", "revitalize the economy", external emphasis on "national dignity and national sovereignty." Basic party members 500,000. Chairman Hamid Algabide (Hamid ALGABID).
By 2009 RDP leaders supported the idea of a constitutional referendum because they favored a presidential regime and believed that Article 141 of the current constitution, which provides amnesty for the perpetrators of the 1996 and 1999 military coups, should be excluded from any new text. The RDP leaders were surprised and disappointed that President Tandja would seek a new constitution providing for a three-year "transition period" during which he would remain in power. They also stated that they were not in favor of organizing a referendum before holding legislative elections.
National Party for Democracy and Socialism - Unity (PNDS-Tarraya)
(Parti Nigérien pour la Démocratie et le Socialisme- Tarayya)
The ruling party, the Democratic and Socialist Party of Niger was established in January 1991. In March 2011, Mahamadou ISSOUFOU, the chairman of the party, won the presidential election and was elected president of the Republic of Nigeria. It advocated the establishment of a stable and modern democratic republic system on the basis of freedom, democracy, justice and fairness, and promoted the political and economic integration of the African continent. Members are mainly workers and intellectuals. International links are extensive and are linked to the French Socialist Party and political parties such as Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Senegal. In 1996, became an international socialist member. Has developed into a well-organized, broad-based national left-wing party, and leapt to the largest party in Parliament.
In 2009, PNDS President Mahamadou Issoufou had expressed disappointment in President Tandja, citing meetings during which Tandja repeatedly assured him that he would not seek a third term. Issoufou admitted that he had been taken in by President Tandja's deception. He went on to say that in April 2009, Issoufou had encouraged President Tandja to step down at the end of his term in December, but that Tandja responded that he is the only person capable of ruling Niger. PNDS members condemned President Tandja's bid to remain in office and expressed a desire for a stronger condemnation by the international community, and said that they planned to devote more efforts in the future to relations with the US Government. PNDS stated that Tandja had asserted that the "semi-presidential" regime provided for by the 1999 constitution is inadequate for Niger. Issoufou noted that this provision could be revised without changing the constitution in its entirety. PNDS believes Tandja had a weak argument. They noted that any group or voice contrary to Tandja's plans is excluded from the public media. It was abundantly clear that PNDS leaders firmly opposed President Tandja's plan to draft a new constitution and prolong his presidency.
Social Democratic Rally - Truth (RSD - Gaskiya)
Social Democracy - Rassemblement Social Démocrate-Gaskiya was established in January 2004, a few weeks before local and general elections in Niger. It was formed from a democratic and social congress party split. On September 19, 2004, the first party congress was held to elect Amadou CHEIFFOU as chairman of the party. In December 2008, Amadou CHEIFFOU at the second party congress was again elected party chairman.
RSD was a relatively new party, but despite this obstacle, they were able to obtain seven seats in the National Assembly and several local council members throughout the country. For example, the RSD controlled all three communes and the City of Maradi. RSD asserted that they are strong supporters of democratic principles, yet are in favor of a referendum to change the constitution. However, they were surprised to learn that President Tandja would like to extend his term in office by three years, as they found no justification for him to do so.
Social Democratic Convention - Mercy and Prosperity (CDS-Rahama)
Convention Démocratique et Sociale - Rahama
The Democracy and Social Congress - Convention Démocratique et Sociale - Rahama was established in January 1991, with members of the main ethnic groups in the south. Advocated to take the road of social and democratic reform, the establishment of state-owned and private economy combined with the socio-economic system. In November 1999 the party formed an alliance with the National Movement for Social Development, won the presidential and parliamentary elections. In December 2003, the party held the Fourth Party Congress, Osman was elected chairman of the party. In January 2004, former Vice President announced the new party, the party split, the power was weakened.
On 14 May 2009 the CDS had asserted the principles of their party - primarily that they abide by the constitution and that they would not support any move that would violate the constitution. CDS President Mahamane Ousmane stated that CDS did not need to issue a further statement because the CDS was part of the ruling coalition and so would rather engage in direct dialogue with the President. Many political observers, however, stated they did not understand Ousmane's silence. Ousmane said that CDS would continue to disagree "within" the ruling coalition and take advantage of having direct contact with the President. On the eve of the second round of the presidential election in 2011, five vice-presidents of the party openly oppose Osman's alliance with the National Movement for Social Development.
National Movement for a Society of Development - Victory (MNSD - Nassara)
[Mouvement National pour la Société de Développement- Nassara]
The National Movement for Social Development was the former ruling party, which lost its ruling position after the February 2010 coup. The predecessor of the period was the only political party "national social development movement", was established in May 1989. After the implementation of multi-party system, in March 1991 it changed its name. The party has a wide range of social base, in the majority of farmers and herdsmen have a strong influence. Advocated through dialogue to achieve social unity and stability, to promote the development of the economy, to protect the people of the poor to enjoy basic social services. In November 1999, the party won the presidential and legislative elections and regained the status of the ruling party. In July 2002, he became a member of the African Democratic Union and the International Democratic League. In February 2009, Seini Oumarou was elected chairman.
The MNSD was the main party in the ruling coalition in 2009. The MNSD strongly supported a presidential regime instead of the current "semi-presidential" one in order to provide full powers to the President. The President could then enact policy without the endorsement of the Prime Minister. Under the current system, the president serves as head of state and the prime minister as head of government. MNSD supports the President's actions, and in February 2009 held a convention to renew the parties' leadership after the motion of no confidence against the former Prime Minister, Hama Amadou (former MNSD party president).
Niger's Patriotic Movement - Youth (MPN - Matassa)
MPN leaders clearly opposed President Tandja's bid to organize a constitutional referendum. They conveyed feared that President Tandja would employ any means necessary to stay in power and was about to "cross the point of no return." This would include using traditional chiefs to muster sufficient votes to pass the referendum. MPN leaders were of the opinion that Tandja believed that potential sanctions by Western countries would be nullified by Chinese support. They noted that the MPN seeks to educate youth on its role in politics and encourage women to participate in politics. MPN, made of young, diplomaed entrepreneurs, had a slate of 58 candidates that will vie for seats in legislative elections slated for 20 August 2009.
Alliance for Democracy and Progress - Living in Peace (ANDP - Zaman Lahiya)
Alliance Nigérienne pour la Démocratie et le Progrès-Zamanlahiya
The Nigerien Alliance for Democracy and Progress - Alliance Nigérienne pour la Démocratie et le Progrès-Zamanlahiya was founded in by January 1992 by Gemma Koye former secretary of the the National Development Social Movement Party. The forces were concentrated in the southern province of Duo Suo, most of the members of the Dharma tribe. Advocate the protection of democracy in order to develop and implement a free economy. Formerly an opposition party. In July 2002 joined the president to send "democratic forces alliance". As of 2009 ANDP was still reorganizing after ANDP President Moumouni Djermakoye succumbed from a heart attack following an opposition rally on June 14.
Nigerien Democratic Movement for the African Union
Mouvement Démocratique Nigérien pour une Fédération Africaine-Lumana Africa
Mouvement Démocratique Nigérien pour une Fédération Africaine-Lumana Africa was established in March 2010. Members mainly from the fight for social development of the national movement split out. In Niamey and other places a greater impact. Advocate uphold the principles of democracy and sovereignty in the people, to maintain national unity and national political and institutional stability. On July 10, 2010 it held the first party congress, elected Hama Amadou (Hama AMADOU) the party chairman.
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