Since then on occasions the two organizations have stood joint candidates at some elections.

The parties will field joint candidates in all 577 constituencies.

A joint candidate for the next presidential elections would be selected through the holding of "primaries".

But it is not yet clear whether the commission overseeing Nigeria's elections will let the two parties present a joint presidential candidate.

He added: "if there is a joint candidate, I will support him or her."

Several other joint candidates' appearances took place during the caucus campaign outside Iowa.

Another would make it easier for opposition parties to unite behind a joint presidential candidate in 2000.

The coalition also presented joint candidates for Congressional and local elections.

It would point to the pressure to come to either national or local agreements regarding joint candidates would become to great to resist.

Needless to say, it is not just about a joint candidate, but also about policy.