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Country Information > West Africa > Congo Ministry
Details [ President ] [ Ministers ] [ Parliament ] [ Political Parties ] Denis Sassou-Nguesso (1997/2002) PCT 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 president it elected by the people. Click here for a complete list of government ministers. 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)
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