The people of Niger are not allowed to exercise their right to choose their representatives. The July 1996 presidential election that followed the January 1996 military coup was held under a revised constitution and was not deemed free or fair by independent observers. Parliamentary elections in November 1996 were held in an atmosphere of intense intimidation and were boycotted by most opposition parties. The revised 1996 constitution guarantees many basic rights and gives more power to the presidency. The judicial system is theoretically independent, but retains little autonomy.
Courts are subject to external influences and limited by scant training and resources.
Thousands of pretrial detainees are imprisoned under very difficult and sometimes deadly conditions. Constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of assembly and association are often not respected. Authorities can prohibit gatherings and have banned or dispersed numerous opposition demonstrations. Freedom of religion is respected, although political parties formed on religious, ethnic, or regional bases are barred. Human rights and other nongovernmental organizations face increasing pressure.