Abuja, Feb. 25 (BNA): Voters in Nigeria cast their ballots on Saturday to choose a new president as Africa’s most populous country grapples with a banknote shortage that some observers fear will lead to a lower-than-expected turnout.
The presidential and parliamentary elections come amid fears of violence, from Islamist militants in the north to separatists in the south, though officials have said the vote will not be delayed like the last presidential election, the Associated Press reports.
Voting started late in some states on Saturday as election officials did not arrive at polling stations on time. Internet connectivity issues at one polling station in the Northeast made it impossible for election officials to verify voter identities.
Incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, who is stepping down after two four-year terms, called for calm after casting his vote in Dora in the northwestern state of Katsina. He also warned against voter intimidation.
Nigerians must ensure that they are respected; That the candidate they want to vote for, they are allowed to vote for him,” Buhari said.
Of the 18 presidential candidates, three contenders have emerged in recent weeks to replace Buhari: the ruling party’s candidate, the main opposition party’s candidate and a third party challenger who has strong support from younger voters who battle it out with 33%. Unemployment rate.
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