2.  The recent transfer of power following the
March elections in Nigeria appears promising
for democracy in Africa. Results were officially
announced on March 31. The All Progressives
Congress (APC) party beat the incumbent
People's Democratic Party (PDP) by a little over
2.5 million votes, a margin of approximately 9
percent. Observers noted limited unrest in parts
of the country, as well as the inevitable
logistical issues that accompany an election in
a developing nation as populous as Nigeria.
Despite the challenges, however, the election
has largely been regarded as free and fair.

3.  The outgoing president, Goodluck
Jonathan, conceded the election by
telephone, congratulating the new
president, General Muhammadu Buhari.
Crucially, in an attempt to defuse any
unrest that might occur in the wake of
the vote, Mr. Jonathan also urged his
supporters to accept the results. An APC
representative highly praised Mr.
Jonathan for his initiative.