Niger's elections explained in 60 seconds

Voters in Niger go to the polls on Sunday 21 February to vote in general elections.

Incumbent President Mahamadou Issoufou faces four main rivals in the presidential race - one of whom is in jail.

Niger is the fourth-largest producer of uranium, but also one of the world’s poorest countries.

It is also seen as an important ally in the fight against Islamist militancy in the fragile Sahara region.

BBC Africa explains how this will affect the vote, and other important issues.