As Nigeria prepares for presidential, legislative and governorate elections next month, a new short film, "My Vote Fit Change Naija,” urges Nigerians to vote as a peaceful means for promoting change in their country. The title, in the pidgin language popular throughout the country, means "my vote can change Nigeria."

NDI partnered with a Nigerian civil society organization, Youngstar Foundation, to produce the 13-minute film, which is being distributed across the country through a network of eight civil society groups specializing in voter education. Starring Julius Agwu and other well-known "Nollywood" stars (actors from the Nigerian film industry), the movie encourages Nigerians to vote as a way to improve conditions that impact their daily lives, such as jobs, roads, electricity and health care. It encourages Nigerians to "activate the power of your thumb" — voting in Nigeria requires placing an inky thumbprint on the ballot to indicate candidate preferences.

The movie premiered March 3 to a crowd of young people from around the country with a screening and discussion in the nation’s capital, Abuja. The youth and NDI’s partners are distributing the clip on their websites and will be using it in get-out-the-vote efforts in the coming month.

Watch the film:

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Pictured above: The promotional poster for "My Vote Fit Change Naija"

Published March 11, 2011