A total of 91 political parties are participating in general elections in Africa’s largest democracy.

Africa’s most populous country goes to the polls on February 23 to elect a president and members of parliament. Governors and members of state legislatures will be elected in a separate vote on March 9.

Here’s what you need to know about the general elections in Nigeria:

Understanding Nigeria

Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world, and one of the largest youth populations. It is Africa’s biggest economy.

Despite economic progess, Nigeria has large pockets of people living in poverty.





How voting works

Nigeria will vote using a first-past-the-post system and elect representatives of the lower house directly, and elect the next president. Fifty-one percent of the 84-million electorate is between the ages of 18-35.

The candidates

Muhammadu Buhari, 76, is seeking a second term as president. He is opposed by People’s Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar who has previously been vice president and governor.