Born in 1943, Denis Sassou-Nguesso first seized power in a coup in
1979, only to lose it in the country's first multi-party elections
in 1992 which were won by Pascal Lissouba. He returned to power in
1997 after a brief but bloody civil war in which he received the backing
of Angolan troops.
A French-trained paratroop colonel, Sassou-Nguesso is
seen as a pragmatist. During his first presidency in 1979-92 he loosened
the country's links
with the Soviet bloc and allowed French, US and other Western oil companies
to play a major role in oil exploration and production. Concurrently,
he abandoned the one-party system in 1992, making the ruling Congolese
Workers Party (PCT) fight for its political life after over 20 years
as the sole party. In March 2002 Sassou-Nguesso began a seven-year
term after winning in presidential elections in which two of his main
rivals - former President Pascal Lissouba and former Prime Minister
Bernard Kolelas - were excluded from taking part by a residency law
and a third contender - Andre Milongo - pulled out alleging irregularities,
and with a reformed constitution which tightens his grip on power.
The Parlement (Parliament) had two chambers. The Assemblée
Nationale (National Assembly) has 153 members, for a five year term
in single-seat constituencies. The Sénat (Senate) has 66 members,
elected for a six year term by district, local and regional councils.
- Congolese Labour Party (Parti Congolais
du Travail)
- Convention for Democracy and Salvation (Convention pour la Démocratie
et le Salut)
- United Democratic Forces (Forces Démocratiques Unies)
- Union for Democracy and Republic (Union pour la Démocratie
et la République-Mwinda)
- Union for Democratic Renewal (Union pour la Renouveau Démocratique)
- Pan-African Union for Social-Democracy (Union Panafricaine pour la
Démocratie Sociale)