NIAMEY, Dec. 28 (Xinhua) -- Nigerien President Mamadou Tandja cast his ballot at the polling station No.1 of Niamey's Town Hotel in the municipal elections opened on Sunday.

The elections were envisaged by the Constitution resulted from the Aug. 4 referendum, which is considered unconstitutional by the African Union and the West African bloc ECOWAS. Both organizations have suspended Niger, saying President Mamadou Tandja is seeking the extension of his rule by illegal means.

Having voted, Tandja appealed to other voters to cast their ballots peacefully, just like what they had done during the constitutional referendum and the legislative elections held on Oct. 20.

"We hope that these elections are completed peacefully just like the rest and from now henceforth, Niger will be in a position of having advanced her democracy," he said.

Tandja noted the municipal elections were the last to be held in 2009 and that it was stipulated by the new constitution voted for by the Nigerien people.

He expressed hope that the people of Niger will choose men and women "who will govern our districts very well so that we can construct Niger."

Accompanying the president to the polling station were government officials and national deputies.