ABSTRACT
Niger exemplifies the classical case of gridlock within the dual executive resulting in the breakdown of democracy, on which critics of semi-presidentialism base their worries with regards to the impact of this regime type on the survival of young democracies. A multi-party coalition having initially backed democratically elected President Ousmane in 1993 fell apart, due to conflict between president and prime minister (from different parties within the coalition). This led to the composition of a new majority, in opposition to the president. A oneyear period of highly conflictual cohabitation followed, between the president and a prime minister imposed by the new majority, providing an opportunity for a military comeback in January 1996.
