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Forum opts for

new presidential

system in Nigeria

NIAMEY: A 600-member consultative forum here on "democratic renewal" opted by consensus for a presidential system of government, national television reported.

Niger will thus break with the semi-presidential system that ruled the institutions of the third republic, toppled in a military coup on January 27.

The forum, convoked Monday by the junta known as the National Salvation Council (NSC), had to work out proposals from five drafts offered by a special committee.

The proposals included a presidential system and a semi-presidential system, a new electoral code, a charter for political parties and a plan to depoliticize the administration.

On Wednesday the participants, including traditional and religious chiefs, judges, former deputies and representatives of non-governmental organisations, are to work in committee to prepare a draft presidential-style constitution.

The forum is to wind up its work by Sunday and submit its findings to the NSC, which has pledged to hold a constitutional referendum on June 16, while presidential and general elections are set for September.-AFP