Election Time: Nigeria

I wonder how many people were angry enough to kill when Bush was elected.


Probably none, because in America, no matter who becomes president, we have some type of security knowing that who ever becomes president will only do but so much damage to the government. With our system of checks and balances, the president can only have but so much power; theortically speaking of course.


In Nigeria however, about 90 people have died in pre-election/election related incidents, and even that number could be larger.

Nigeria is having the same issues that we've had here in America. People are stealing votes, and intimidation keeps some people from voting. At one time in America, people did die for their vote. When black people under law were not allowed to vote, and then finaly did get the oppurtinity, whites threatned their lives if they showed up with thier ballots. They even made blacks take tests before they could vote, well aware that many never had the chance to get a decent education. In Nigeria, young people blocked roads and burned down houses to express their disapointment.

Ironically, the election for president hasnt even taken place. Only govenor and assemblies where to be declared so far, but like in America, the president is not the only one in the government who has power. These people can be in control of budgets dealing with billions of dollars.
Its only understandble that the people of Africa, and specifically in this case Nigeria, that they would be upset. In the past, many governments have been taken over by corrupt rulers. Some of the rulers pocketed money that could have went to building hospitals for HIV patients, or funding an army to protect civilians from rebels and militia. These elections are important to these poeple because their lives depend heavily on who they put in power. One man didnt even want to vote because he felt that he didnt want to vote for someone who would forget about him once he came into power. Only making 4 dollars a day, he needed at least 12 to successfully take care of his family. His governement needs to change that.