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May Hotspots: Nigerian Elections Successful, Though Still Not Democratic
By Maggie Saylor '07
STAFF WRITER

While there are several exciting elections happening around the globe within the next couple months, the one that has most caught my attention is that of Nigeria, a fairly stable counry in West Africa.

The most populated nation on the continent, Nigeria has struggled against military coups, ethnic and religious unrest, and competitions over oil resources in the decades since its independence. In 1999 the government seemed to make major progress by creating a democratically elected leadership, but the legitimacy of national elections has often been called into question, especially in the last few months.

The previous elections, which put President Olusegun Obasanjo in office, are widely believed to have been fraudulent, increasing pressure on the government so instill stronger laws on voting. However, the recent elections seemed to demonstrate little improvement. Both local and neutral international groups observed the election throughout its duration and found many instances of violence and bribery.

Umaru Yar'Adua, the new president-elect, is a quiet former chemistry teacher who does not follow the traditional line of Nigerian leaders, most of whom were very charismatic, with strong military backgrounds. Many regard his term as governor of a Nigerian state to be one of the most successful in recent history, and hope that his election will bring a change for the better.

The election will be the first in Nigeria’s history in which one leader has stepped down to hand power over to another candidate that has been popularly elected.

Many Nigerians are disheartened, however, an opinion that is reflected in the attitudes of many other African populations. Elections all over the country are often wrought with fraud. Though most African countries fall under huge pressure from outside influences to create more democratic governments, faith in democratic systems is falling.

There have been some hints of a possible military coup led by dissidents in the current Nigerian government, but a week after the election that threat has yet to come to fruition. Such an event would be disastrous for Nigeria, which has struggled for almost a decade to create a full democracy. A failed government would likely be destabilizing for the entire region, as Nigeria is often seen as a leader in African political and business affairs.

This column has been a struggle for me to write throughout the year, mostly because there are so many stories from which to choose. I would like to emphasize, in closing, that my intent was never to replace the many legitimate news sources available to us, but to remind Sweet Briar readers that life does exist beyond the bubble, and that we as American and global citizens have an obligation to participate in the world.

Nigeria, Lebanon, Somalia, even France and Iraq may seem distant and inconsequential in the dealings of our daily lives. However, many of these issues will directly or indirectly affect our jobs, our taxes, our loved ones in the military, and our communities. I urge you to become engaged in civic involvement by reading the news (at least skim the headlines!), educating yourselves on the legislation that will affect you, and participating in elections. Your life and your community will be richer because of it.