Editing Politics of Niger (section)

==== 2004 elections ====
While Tandja easily retained the presidency against a second round challenge by [[Mahamadou Issoufou]], the [[Nigerien parliamentary election, 2004|2004 National Assembly elections]] were closer.  The PNDS formed a coalition to contest the expanded 113 seats of the National Assembly, which also included the [[Union of Independent Nigeriens|UNI]] (2 seats), the [[Nigerien Progressive Party-African Democratic Rally|PPN]] (2), and the [[PNA-Al'ouma]] (4).  With the PNDS' 17 seats this coalition took 25 seats.  The MNSD remained the largest party at 47 seats, be relied again on CDS-Rahama's 22 seats to govern.  A minor portfolios in the Council of Ministers were given to two smaller parties as well, the [[RDP-Jama'a]] (6 seats) and [[ANDP-Zaman Lahiya]] (5 seats). [[RSD-Gaskiya]] (7 seats) and [[PSDN-Alheri]] (1 seat) remained aloof of both blocs.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20020830094821/http://www.assemblee.ne/organes/ldpgp.htm Parliamentary groups in the National Assembly], National Assembly web site (2001 archive page) {{in lang|fr}}.</ref>