Nigeria: Polling stations reopen due to problems

In yesterday’s elections in Nigeria, many polling stations opened with a delay. Sometimes there was a lack of documents and personnel. That’s why more than 140 polling stations are opening again today.

Because there were delays and logistical problems in the presidential and parliamentary elections in Nigeria on yesterday’s election day, some polling stations will reopen today. With around 90 million eligible voters, the election is considered the largest on the African continent and a test of democracy and stability in the region.

On Saturday morning, when voting was supposed to officially start at 8:30 a.m., many eligible voters stood in line for hours without being able to vote. In numerous cities in the country, the voting booths were not yet set up, there was a lack of voting documents or personnel. The Nigerian non-governmental organization Yiaga Africa reports that around 9.30 a.m. only 42 percent of the nationwide polling stations were open. That is why more than 140 polling stations in the country are to reopen on Sunday.

400,000 security forces deployed

Violence and logistical problems have repeatedly occurred in Nigeria in past elections. Allegations of voter fraud were raised. According to election observers, the national electoral authority INEC is much better prepared this year. For the first time voters were registered biometrically, results were transmitted electronically. Around 400,000 security forces secured voting throughout the country.

A total of 18 candidates were up for election for the office of outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari, including one woman. For the first time, three presidential candidates are considered favorites – it could lead to a runoff. Young voters could be decisive here – around 40 percent of those entitled to vote are younger than 34 years. Almost ten million new voters were among the registered voters this year.

Pioneering choice for the region

Nigeria’s parliamentary and presidential elections are the largest on the continent and, according to experts, are seen as defining the country’s democracy and regional stability. It is said to be the seventh peaceful change of power since the end of the military dictatorship in the 1990s. The first results are expected at the beginning of the week.

With 213 million inhabitants, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. According to UN estimates, the West African country will be the third largest country in the world by 2050 – behind China and India.