Based on results published late on Monday by the West African Nations Electoral Commission, Mohammad PRESUME has received nearly 40% of the vote from 23 out of 266 voting district's.

That puts him well ahead of his nearest challenger, former President Mahama newsman, who had about 16%.

Ba Zoom, a former interior minister, is considered the strong favorite to succeed President Mamadou Issoufou, who is stepping down after 25 year terms.

A smooth handover would mark the first transfer of power between two democratically elected presidents in a country that has experienced four coup since independence from France in 1960 azi voted on Sunday.

Ba Zoom described the election as an incredible feat with the new president will face challenges off extreme poverty on rising violence from Islamist militants whose attacks have killed hundreds of civilians on soldiers in the last year alone.