The counting of votes for the presidential and parliamentary elections in Nigeria is underway. Votes are being counted at hundreds of thousands of centers, which will be consolidated and sent to the Chief Election Officer. He will hold a press conference later.
The final result of the vote may have to wait till next Tuesday. News – BBC and Al-Jazeera.
Africa’s most populous country returned to democracy from military rule in 1999. It is believed to be the most open election since then.
Many young people exercised their right to vote for the first time. They started reaching the polling station from morning. A large turnout of voters has been seen in this election.
However, polling stations could not open on time in some areas due to technical and security issues. This disrupted polling in those centres.
Electoral chief Mahmud Yakubu expressed regret for this. However, he said earlier that even after the scheduled time, those who were in line to vote will be taken.
Counting of votes is going on. Photo – AFP.
Multiparty democracy was restored in the country 24 years ago with the end of military rule. Since then, the ruling APC and the PDP have been the two main parties in Nigerian politics.
This time a third party candidate in the race to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari is also in a strong position in the election field. Many young voters are supporting the candidate named Peter Obi of the Labor Party.
