On 17 March, CDD launched the Election Analysis Centre (EAC) and presented its preliminary preview report of the one-week delayed 28 governorship and 36 state house of assembly elections that are now underway across the country. Building on key thematic areas identified during the presidential election, the report focused on issues of identity, insecurity, institutional preparedness, intra and inter party disputes, the importance of personalities over parties and voter participation in the process. These will continue to be key themes in our analysis of this election process and will shape our in-depth post-election report. We will continue to flag key election contests across the country. This initial statement focuses on the voting process now underway, and is based on reports from the more than 1,200 observers deployed by CDD across all 36 states. It focuses on the opening of polls, presence of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security officials and the use of BVAS machines. In addition, it captures initial reports of vote trading, election-related violence and reflections on turnout as of 1100. The statement identifies trends by zone, and highlights states to keep an eye on as the voting continues.