Results awaited in close election

Nigerians waited on Monday for the first results of the country's general election, potentially the closest contest since the end of military rule in 1999, after a weekend vote marred by confusion, arguments and sporadic violence.

The election pits President Goodluck Jonathan against former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari for the favor of an electorate divided along a complex mix of ethnic, regional and in some cases religious lines in Africa's most populous nation.

The United Nations and the African Union, which both had election observers on the ground, said the vote was broadly in line with "continental and regional principles".