Reuters
1 March 2011
Preparations so far for the general elections give grounds for cautious optimism that the polls could be more credible and less violent than previous votes in Africa 's most populous nation, although the toughest challenges still lie ahead.
Jonathan, a southerner, faces resistance from areas including parts of the Muslim north but campaigning in the presidential race has been largely free of the sort of rhetoric that could polarise the electorate around regional rivalries.
State and parliamentary polls are likely to be more closely fought. There has already been localised election-related violence, including in the oil-producing Niger Delta, the central "Middle Belt" and the remote northeast.
Key pieces of legislation, including oil sector reforms and the creation of a sovereign wealth fund, are sitting before parliament but with political minds focused on campaigning, it is unclear whether they will be passed before the polls.
Government spending has risen ahead of the elections, putting pressure on foreign reserves and weighing against efforts to drag inflation into single digits. A draft 2011 budget has yet to be approved by lawmakers.
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