Nigeria update, 17 April
From the Washington Post, 9:30PM, 17 AprilNigeria Opposition Protests Looming Vote
"The main opposition parties joined forces Wednesday to demand the annulment of results from state balloting they branded "sham elections" and called for a postponement of the presidential vote scheduled for this weekend.
"A communique signed by 18 parties called on Nigerians to 'protest in a non-violent manner' against election results that showed the governing party rolling up huge victories in state governor and legislator races...
"The opposition's late-night demands after an hours-long meeting threaten to further endanger the drive to cement civilian rule in Africa's most-populous nation.
"Violence and irregularities marred state elections last weekend. Authorities reported at least 21 people were killed, while many voters waited for hours in front of polling stations that opened late with faulty voter-registration rolls. In some areas, people were seen stuffing ballot boxes.
"Authorities announced stepped-up security measures Tuesday as the electoral commission said it would comply with a Supreme Court ruling that Abubakar -- who had been barred from running -- could rejoin the race..."
posted by Ken Wedding @ 9:12 PM
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