International briefs: Nigeria

NIGERIANS finally voted in a delayed parliamentary election yesterday, voicing determination to hold a credible poll in Africa's most populous nation despite chaotic organisation and violence.

At least seven more people were killed in four separate incidents in the last few hours before polling. Those deaths followed the killing of at least ten people by a bomb at an election office late on Friday.

Violence which has taken around 100 lives in the run-up to the election, as well as the logistical chaos which forced the postponement of the vote a week ago, have renewed doubts over whether democracy can work in Nigeria.

Nigeria, with more people than Russia, has failed to hold a fair and orderly vote since military rule ended 12 years ago. Yesterday's parliamentary vote will be followed by the more important presidential election on 16 April.