International and Nigerian observers have so far praised this month's parliamentary and presidential polls (contests for state governors are scheduled for April 26th), marking a contrast to a widespread rejection of the previous ones in 2007.

ECONOMIST: Nigeria's presidential election

But it is also quite possible that widespread rejection by Sunnis will undermine all attempts to reach a political accommodation.

ECONOMIST: An Iraqi tragedy raises sectarian tension | The

Even if one did, the widespread rejection of other countries' driving licences would stop a single person from travelling along it.

ECONOMIST: Regional economic integration has a long, long way to go