Voting in Nigeria's general election has been extended by another 24 hours after technical problems with the new voter registration system caused delays in the voting process.
Nigeria's incumbent presidential candidate, Goodluck Jonathan, was unable to vote on Saturday after three different registration machines failed to verify him for over 30 minutes. Other polls had similar problems, and voting often started after many-hour delays. The election was also marred by Boko Haram attacks with gunmen killing six voters in northeastern Yobe and Gombe states.
On Saturday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Nigeria's presidential candidates to resolve possible post-election disputes by peaceful means noting that the results of 2011 Nigeria's general elections triggered a wave of nationwide violent protests which left over 800 people dead.
The date of Nigeria elections was postponed until March 28 from initially set February 14 to allow the national army to recapture territory from the Islamist militants of Boko Haram — terrorist group which currently controls several towns in northeastern Nigeria and initiated its military operations in the country in 2009 to impose Islamic rule.
Millions of Nigerians reportedly turned out Saturday to vote in country's presidential election. The incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan from People's Democratic Party is seeking second term in office and enjoys a vast support in the predominantly Christian south. However, Jonathan has faced criticism over his failure to defeat Boko Haram insurgency in country's north.
