Military

DATE=03/27/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=NIGERIA / ELECTIONS (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-314523

BYLINE=CARRIE GIARDINO

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Voting has ended in Nigeria's local elections marred by violence and accusations of ballot rigging. Carrie Giardino in Abidjan reports voter turnout was low in the first local elections since the end of military rule in 1999.

TEXT: Thousands of military and police troops were deployed throughout the 35 Nigerian states holding local elections on Saturday.

Authorities said the security measures were taken to prevent violence after several assassinations of local politicians over the past few weeks.

Election observers said turnout was very low, as people stayed away from the polls for fear of violence. In some districts polling stations closed early and in three districts in the oil-rich but impoverished southern Warri and rural districts in northern Kano, they never opened.

The elections were held to choose local and municipal government officials in more than 700 districts.

Scattered clashes among supporters of rival candidates and assassinations of candidates and incumbents marred the pre-election campaign. Opposition parties also accused the ruling People's Democratic Party of creating new districts just before elections to ensure victory for their supporters.

The local elections have been postponed several times since 2002. Local government posts are highly prized because they control funds allocated by the central government from oil revenues.

President Olusegun Obasanjo issued a public statement calling on all Nigerians to carry out voting in a peaceful manner and accept the results of the election. But more violence is expected when results of the elections are announced early next week. (SIGNED)

NEB/CG/MAR/RH