Security tight as Nigeria votes
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Over 10,000 people are reported to have died in riots in Nigeria over the past four years.
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CNN's Jeff Koinange has more on the violence surrounding the upcoming elections in Nigeria. (Caution: video contains graphic images) (April 18)
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ABEOKUTA, Nigeria (CNN) -- Heavily armed troops and police fanned out to maintain calm across Nigeria Saturday, as voters began casting ballots for president and governors in 36 states.
The polls in the West African nation opened at 8 a.m. [3 a.m. EDT] under sunny skies, and long lines snaked away from voting place entrances. Polls are to close at 3 p.m. at about 120,000 polling places.
Results may begin trickling in on Monday.
President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Christian from the south who is seeking a second, four-year term in office, voted in his hometown of Abeokuta.
Obasanjo faces 19 challengers, and his main rival is considered to be Muhammadu Buhari, a Muslim from the north who heads the All Nigeria Peoples' Party.
Strict measures have been taken, Obasanjo told CNN's Jeff Koinange, to curb possible election violence.
Reports of violence have been "far, far, far less than expected," Obasanjo said before entering the voting booth. His election four years ago ended 15 years of military rule.
Last weekend's parliamentary elections were generally free of problems. Obasanjo's ruling People's Democratic Party posted solid victories, and he expressed confidence he would win another presidential term.
"It is a great day," he said.
There are more than 60 million eligible voters in Nigeria.
--CNN Lagos Bureau Chief Jeff Koinange contributed to this report.
