What to watch for today
Nigeria’s choice is revealed. Following an intense campaign season and a postponement caused by Boko Haram, we find out who won—incumbent president Goodluck Jonathan or his challenger, Muhammadu Buhari. Voting, which went off largely without incident, was extended to Sunday.
Australia celebrates a World Cup win. The cricket superpower overwhelmed New Zealand to win the World Cup for a fifth time, and will take to Federation Square in Melbourne to mark the victory.
The UK’s Parliament is dissolved. This five-year term of House of Commons comes to an end as all the political parties in the country prepare to contest a general election on May 7. Polls have the Conservatives and Labour neck and neck.
Arab nations discuss cyber-security. A regional summit, hosted by the International Telecommunication Union’s Arab Regional Cyber Security Center, finishes meeting in Oman.
Over the weekend
There was a final push for an Iran nuclear deal. Negotiators from six countries and Iran are huddled in Switzerland to try to hammer out the framework for an accord over Iran’s nuclear program. As negotiators reportedly closed in on a 2-3 page accord, some thorny issues remain. A White House spokesman said the talks have a 50/50 chance of success.
Greece’s creditors considered yet another reform plan. This one will raise €3bn ($3.3bn) and includes more privatizations, higher excise taxes and steps to clamp down on tax evasion. Greece says it will run out of money sometime in April if its creditors don’t agree to release more bailout funds.
The Arab League agrees to create a joint military force. Egypt’s president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi got the heads of the 22 states on board with the plan, which could take months to become reality. 10 Arab nations have already banded together to carry out air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, as part of a Saudi-led coalition.
Singapore’s founding father was laid to rest. Lee Kuan Yew was laid to rest at a state funeral attended by world leaders and then a private family ceremony. About 1.5 million people had paid tribute to Lee during the week at various sites after he died on Monday.
Europol’s chief railed against the dark net. In an interview, Rob Wainwright joined the chorus of security bosses warning that data encryption is enabling terrorists to communicate in secret, and shielding them from detection. He urged companies like Apple to reconsider offering sophisticated encryption software in their products.
Quartz obsession interlude
Kabir Chibber on the sad, cautionary tale of Audley Harrison, the anti-Mayweather. “In 2000, Harrison won gold in the super-heavyweight category at the Sydney Olympics. His career looked set for great things. So how did Harrison go on to seven losses in a 38-fight career while Mayweather is currently undefeated at 47-0?” Read more here.
Matters of debate
Get out of the way, millennials. Generation Z is coming (that didn’t last long.)
Your children should opt out of standardized testing. Kids are being crushed by endless scholastic bombardment.
To persuade people, acknowledge their point of view. And 13 other secrets of really persuasive people.
Women, think of babies. Men, think of sex. That’s how to get over your fear of flying.
To save bitcoin, see Wall Street’s past. Specifically, the solution to the 1960s paperwork crisis.
Surprising discoveries
Tired people are creative people. You need to consider ideas you’ve never considered.
To be confident… feel confident. It’s that easy.
Pro wrestling paved the way for HBO and others. Cord-cutters, thank the WWE.
There’s a man that turns shoes into art. He’s a “sneaker freaker.”
Our best wishes for a productive day. Please send any news, comments, stolen Nigerian votes, and sneaker art to hi@qz.com. You can follow us on Twitter here for updates throughout the day.