Many say his main disadvantage is that, as the former military ruler of Sierra Leone from 1992-1996, he is associated with a deeply unpopular period before democracy.

BBC: Sierra Leone faces huge election test

To say a ruler is legitimate is to say that he has a recognised right to rule.

BBC: Unit 1: People and Politics

But last November, he published a devastating treatise that drew on Islamic law and jurisprudence to argue that resorting to violence is banned and so was rebelling against a Muslim ruler.

BBC

Bowling Green is the only subway station that has one: Near the turnstiles at every subway entrance is a blue sign with a yellow ruler.

WSJ: Little Ones, the Subway and the Law

The presidential election that Nigeria is to hold on August 1st was turned into a referendum on General Sani Abacha, the current ruler, when all of the five political parties allowed to take part adopted the general as their candidate.

ECONOMIST: Chinese wrinkles