美国有线新闻 CNN 2015-04-02

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First up in our commercial-free coverage¹, votes are being counted in the African Nation of Nigeria. Results could come out Tuesday from the country's most tightly contested election since democracy was re-established there in 1999. Analysts² say turnout was high, in the tens of millions. And that's despite the fact that the election commission's Web site was hacked³, despite some problems with ballot⁴ paper and digital voting card readers and despite attacks by the Boko Haram terrorist group. It's based in Northern Nigeria. It wants a strict form of Islamic law in the country. It killed at least 11 people at polling stations, so security was a major concern in these elections, but not the only one.

 

With nearly 180 million people, Nigeria is the most populous⁵ country in Africa and one of the world's largest mega democracies. I am CNN journalist Stephanie Busari and I was born and raised in Nigeria.

 

The Nigeria I remember was a very peaceful country with different faiths mixing together, interacting peacefully. But that, that has changed significantly in recent times.

 

The major issue for most Nigerians is security. In the past five years, Boko Haram, the terrorist group, has killed and kidnapped thousands of Nigerians. They really came to the world's attention in April last year, when they kidnapped nearly 300 school girls. Past elections has been marred⁶ by allegations of rigging and election violence.

 

The economy is also crucial. Last year, Nigeria overtook South Africa to become the largest economy in Africa. But many complain that the country's vast oil wealth does not trickle⁷ down to the average Nigerian on the street.

 

Around 70% of Nigerians live below the poverty line.

 

Who are the candidates in this election? The incumbent⁸ is Goodluck Jonathan. And he was elected in 2011 on a massive wave of popularity. He was almost seen as a kind of Obama-type change figure. But Nigerians are disappointed, because many say he has simply failed to live on the promises that he made. 

 

His main opponent is a retired⁹ general called Muhammadu Buhari. He was a former ruler of Nigeria. He ruled briefly¹⁰ following a military coup¹¹. And he's also run unsuccessfully in the last three elections.

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