Nigeria’s ruling party lost more ground yesterday in results emerging from an election that will loosen the grip it has on parliament .
Results declared for half of the seats in the National Assembly suggested the People’s Democratic Party was on course for a majority, but not of the size that has allowed it such dominance since army rule ended in 1999.
Despite chaotic organisation and violence in the run-up to the poll, it was hailed as one of the fairest yet in the country of 150-million, where President Goodluck Jonathan is standing in a more important presidential ballot on Saturday.
“Increased citizen awareness, public confidence in the leadership of election authorities, and greater engagement by political parties and civil society all provided the basis for a break from previous failed elections,” the National Democratic Institute observer mission told reporters yesterday.
Mr Jonathan’s ruling party lost out to the Action Congress of Nigeria in the southwest, and the Congress for Progressive Change in parts of the north — the vote highlighting Nigeria’s regional divisions.
The ruling party has nevertheless made gains in some areas and held many traditional strongholds.
Of seats declared for the House of Representatives, the ruling party had just over half, compared to 77% in the outgoing parliament.
A more diverse parliament is seen as likely to strengthen Nigerian democracy . But in the short term it could slow down the passage of key legislation .