Nigerian leader General Abdulsalami Abubakar signed into law yesterday (Tuesday) four decrees crucial to local elections on 5 December and guaranteeing the independence of the electoral commission, news organisations reported. The decrees signed were: the Transition to Civil Rule decree (Political Programme), the Local Government decree (Basic constitutional and transitional provisions), the Political Parties decree (registration and activities) and the Independent National Electoral Commission amendment decree. The council polls are the first of a series culminating in presidential elections in February 1999.
The polls could be disrupted in southeastern Nigeria if civil servants in the area carry out a threat to start an indefinite strike, the BBC reported today. Many are expected to be serving as electoral officers. The civil servants are demanding the implementation of the minimum wage and the payment of overtime and salary arrears.
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