Opposition urges swift election after Niger coup

Niger's political opposition urged the West African country's new military junta today to hold elections as soon as possible and restore civilian rule after a coup ousted its dictatorial president.

The call came as thousands of people rallied in the capital, Niamey, cramming around army trucks mounted with anti-aircraft guns in a show of support for the junta which toppled Mamadou Tandja after he stayed in office months past his legal mandate.