Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Nigeria's Electoral Commission Amends Voting Process

   Joe DeCapua  April 14, 2011
   An election campaign banner depicting Nigeria's incumbent President
   Goodluck Jonathan

Photo: AP Photo/Sunday Alamba

   A truck with an election campaign banner depicting Nigeria's incumbent
   President Goodluck Jonathan, in Lagos, Nigeria, Wednesday, April 13,
   2011.

   Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] has made
   what it calls 'slight amendments' to the election process to help
   ensure it's free and fair. The changes come as Nigerians prepare to go
   to the polls on Saturday to elect a president.

   INEC has directed that the results of each polling unit be displayed
   immediately after the vote is cast so the candidates will be able to
   tabulate their votes even before a national announcement is made.

   The chair of the electoral commission, Attahiru Jega, met Wednesday
   [4/13/11] with the state electoral commissioners and received pledges
   from them to comply with the changes.

   INEC also announced that more security personnel will be deployed
   countrywide.

   Supporters of President Goodluck Jonathan are delighted that members of
   opposition parties trying to support a single candidate were unable to
   agree. No serious challenger will be mounted against Jonathan because
   opposition votes will be split.

   Having no main opposition candidate may help clear the way for Mr.
   Jonathan to be re-elected on Saturday, April 16.

   VOA reporter Chinedu Offor is on assignment in Nigeria. To hear his
   interview with Kim Lewis, click on the link below.

.