According to reports more than 73 million Nigerians will cast votes to elect their president today. The current president, Goodluck Ebele Johnathan, a Christian from the south is favored to win from among a field of 18 candidates. Johnathan who was vice president, assumed the presidency when, Umaru Yar'Adua , a Muslim, died last year in office after a protracted illness.
The 'new' election system seeks to elevate the process above very complex and complicated situations. Johnathan, who represents the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) was supported by the House of Assembly in assuming the presidency during the period when Yar'Adua was receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. During his absence Yar'Adua never formally transferred power to Johnathan.
In addition, there has apparently been an agreement in the ruling PDP party to alternate candidates between the Muslim north and Christan south. For some, Johnathan's year in office meant that the partys' next candidate should be Muslim. Tribal heritage, religion, regional and party alliances are all factors. The culture of corruption in the country is also a factor. Recounts of the 2007 elections include stories of snatched ballot boxes, under-aged voters and results being announced before ballots were completely counted.
Some Nigerians feel, despite the problems and delays, that these elections are the fairest since military rule ended about 12 years ago. One poll predicts Johnathan is favored to win though of course this is disputed by the 4 major contenders, one of whom previously served as president under military rule and another who was in charge of dealing with corruption in government contracts.
Nigerians I have spoken with are passionate in their views both for and against the current government, but feel the transparency of this current process will fairly represent the voice of the people. They say people are voting more for individuals who they feel can move the country forward (or who had paid the biggest dash) rather than for parties.
I can see a polling place from my window. People have been lined up since before 7 am in order to be accredited. Their voter registration and identification are checked, verified and they are counted or given a number. Actual voting started about 45 minutes ago. Even though an election office in an area of Maidugari, in the north eastern part of the country was bombed so we pray for peace through the remainder of the election.
The 'new' election system seeks to elevate the process above very complex and complicated situations. Johnathan, who represents the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) was supported by the House of Assembly in assuming the presidency during the period when Yar'Adua was receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia. During his absence Yar'Adua never formally transferred power to Johnathan.
In addition, there has apparently been an agreement in the ruling PDP party to alternate candidates between the Muslim north and Christan south. For some, Johnathan's year in office meant that the partys' next candidate should be Muslim. Tribal heritage, religion, regional and party alliances are all factors. The culture of corruption in the country is also a factor. Recounts of the 2007 elections include stories of snatched ballot boxes, under-aged voters and results being announced before ballots were completely counted.
Some Nigerians feel, despite the problems and delays, that these elections are the fairest since military rule ended about 12 years ago. One poll predicts Johnathan is favored to win though of course this is disputed by the 4 major contenders, one of whom previously served as president under military rule and another who was in charge of dealing with corruption in government contracts.
Nigerians I have spoken with are passionate in their views both for and against the current government, but feel the transparency of this current process will fairly represent the voice of the people. They say people are voting more for individuals who they feel can move the country forward (or who had paid the biggest dash) rather than for parties.
I can see a polling place from my window. People have been lined up since before 7 am in order to be accredited. Their voter registration and identification are checked, verified and they are counted or given a number. Actual voting started about 45 minutes ago. Even though an election office in an area of Maidugari, in the north eastern part of the country was bombed so we pray for peace through the remainder of the election.
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