article_snippet: (CNN)Nigerians are scheduled to head to the polls this Saturday in what will be the most closely watched elections in Africa this year.
article_snippet: Nigerian vote will test the strength of an electoral process that has been marred by violence and flawed results throughout Africa's short democratic history.
article_snippet: The stakes are high, and there is a very real danger of prolonged violence across Africa if the electorate questions the legitimacy of the outcome.  
article_snippet: The conduct of the elections will have long lasting repercussions on both Nigerians and the U.S.-Nigeria relationship.
article_snippet: Yet despite this potential, the uncertain electoral environment and other serious challenges stand in the way of a deeper bond.
article_snippet: Half of Nigerians surveyed expressed significant concern about political intimidation or violence in the current election environment.
article_snippet: But it is not just about the Nigerian leadership -- this election offers the chance for all Nigerians to choose all Nigerians future, and decide which policies will shape the next four years.  
article_snippet: The decisions made in the coming days and weeks will shape U.S.-Nigeria relations for years to come.
article_snippet: But more importantly, The decisions made in the coming days and weeks will determine the future for Nigeria's people.
highlights_snippet: Nigerian vote will test the democracy's electoral process, marred by violence and flawed results in past .
  