Nigerian Elections

Peaceful democratic process in Africa is the exception and not the rule. Nigeria is no different. My homeland has been riven by violent turmoil as long as I can remember and before that too. The recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Nigeria have not been going smoothly. The incumbent, President Olusegun Obasanjo, is winning according to the official word but the opposition party has accused his party of using intimidation tactics, bribery, and fraud to maintain power. I have no doubt the allegations are true. I also believe the opposition is doing the same, however. Corruption is the default assumption in African politics. I wonder what is necessary for democracy to take root in an African Nation. Is the entire continent cursed? Read all about the situation here, here, and here.
By the way, the last two links are from an excellent African news website called AllAfrica.com. The best place to get depressing news about the Dark continent.