Africa

Africa

Vote counting begins in Nigeria election

17 April 2011 02:00 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-PA. Vote counting has begun in Nigeria following the presidential election, in which incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan has the biggest chance to win, APA reports quoting Press TV.

Tens of millions of Nigerians cast their ballots on Saturday in what is believed to be Africa’s biggest presidential vote.

The election was reportedly held without significant violence. However, two bomb explosions were reported in the northeastern city of Maiduguri on Saturday morning, with no report of casualties.

Four main candidates are contesting the polls, but the real competition is between Jonathan and former military general Muhammadu Buhari.

The opposition failed to unite behind a single candidate, giving Jonathan a good chance to win.

Nigeria has a history of vote fraud and violence, but the government has repeatedly promised a free and fair election.

Security forces are on high alert, with tens of thousands of personnel deployed across the country.