On Feb. 25, Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and largest oil producer is due to elect a new president. Criminal activity, such as thefts and kidnappings for ransom, is on the rise. Now a major currency crisis that erupted in January has resulted in protests, fights and attacks on banks. Under the circumstances, the last thing Nigeria’s 220 million people need is an election marred by manipulation or violence. But this prospect is becoming increasingly likely as the political temperature rises and cash shortages threaten to undermine the capacity of the country’s electoral commission to administer the vote.

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