Tensions high in Nigeria as poll results emerge

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Tensions high in Nigeria as poll results emerge

By Camillus Eboh
15 minutes ago

ABUJA (Reuters) - Tensions ran high in many places across Nigeria
on Sunday as results began to emerge from state elections that
were marred by rigging and violence.

Local newspapers estimated about 50 people were killed in fighting
linked to irregularities in Saturday's poll, which should give Nigerians
an idea of what to expect at the presidential election on April 21
which should lead to President Olusegun Obasanjo stepping down.

-snip-

Problems included late and non-arrival of ballots, fake results sheets,
armed thugs snatching ballot boxes, kidnapping of election officers,
voter intimidation, mistakes in the voter register, faulty ballots and
under-age voters, witnesses said.

INEC said it was generally satisfied with Saturday's vote, but it
cancelled the governor election in southeastern Imo state due to
irregularities and said it would be reheld on April 28.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070415/wl_nm/nigeria_elections_dc

[maddezmom]

1. 21 dead in Nigeria poll violence

21 dead in Nigeria poll violenceAds By Google

At least 21 people died over the weekend during state polls in Nigeria as tensions mounted in the volatile and sprawling west African nation ahead of presidential and general elections next Saturday.

Soldiers fanned out across major cities in the continent's top oil producer for a second day on Sunday to quell election-related unrest after serious irregularities and violence marred Saturday's regional vote.

"We have about 21 persons killed including some police officers while trying to protect INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) officers," national police boss Sunday Ehindero told Radio Nigeria after Saturday's vote.

"Of course we have some wounded too -- about 14. We have some arms recovered. We have about 218 suspects arrested."

more:http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=39ba9eba-a5ed-4ec1-aaa3-7ea3414fc454&

[maddezmom]

2. Court ruling casts doubt on Nigeria election

Court ruling casts doubt on Nigeria election By Barry Moody
12 minutes ago



ABUJA (Reuters) - A ruling by Nigeria's Supreme Court on Monday raised uncertainty over controversial state elections last weekend and opened the way for a late presidential bid by Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

As protests mounted over widespread abuses in the governorship elections, the court ruled that the official electoral body had not had the power to disqualify candidates, including Abubakar.

The ruling affected not only Abubakar's candidacy in next Saturday's presidential poll, but at least six states where governorship candidates were disqualified in the state election.

There was no immediate comment from the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and it was not clear if the ruling would force the annulment of some polls.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070416/wl_nm/nigeria_elections_dc;_ylt=AvzE_U5Ldfyk.ZNOKuMt1WZm.3QA