DAKAR, 25 June 2009 (IRIN) - Calls to change Niger's constitution to allow President Mamadou Tandja to stay in office have been met with protests from parts of Niger's civil society, a negative ruling from the country's highest court and a regional sanctions threat. Against the backdrop of the onset of the rainy season – and attendant concerns of heightened flooding and malnutrition – preparation continues to hold a constitutional referendum on 4 August. Below is a timeline of events that may affect Niger's governance, regional trade and aid.

22 December 2009 Scheduled end of Tandja's two terms, as mandated by current constitution

11 November 2009 Scheduled presidential election

20 August 2009 Scheduled legislative election

4 August 2009 Proposed constitutional referendum

25 June 2009 Rescheduled national 24-hour strike

18 June 2009 Strike ordered by country's seven unions cancelled because of court ruling

17 June 2009 National bar association calls for respect of 12 June constitutional court ruling

14 June 2009 Thousands demonstrate against referendum

13 June 2009 National electoral commission sets legislative election date

12 June 2009 Constitutional court rejects constitutional referendum as "illegal"

5 June 2009 Council of Ministers sets 4 August referendum vote

2 June 2009 Tandja signs decree creating technical committee to draft new constitution

26 May 2009 Tandja dissolves parliament (constitution holds that election must be held within 90 days)

17 May 2009 ECOWAS threatens sanctions if referendum takes place

21 December 2008 Rally at National Assembly in support of extending presidential term limit

6 October 2007 Tandja said he "will step down after his 2nd term" in interview with Le Monde

22 December 2005 Tandja sworn in for 2nd term. Pledges to "respect and enforce respect for the constitution"

22 December 1999 Tandja sworn in for 1st term

9 August 1999 Current constitution adopted

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