In 1999, Nigeria returned to electoral democracy after a long period of military rule. Since then, three elections have taken place, in 2003, 2007, and 2011 — each accompanied by an increase in electoral violence compared with the one preceding it. However, the 2011 elections presented an interesting paradox. While new forms of terror tactics marked the pre-electoral season, the elections themselves were free and fair — and without violence. However, on April 16, immediately after the presidential election, rioters burned some parts of northern Nigeria for three days, killing several hundred people.