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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 10 NOUAKCHOTT 000568 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/14/2016 
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM PINR EAID KPAO MR
SUBJECT: SUMMARY OF POLITICAL PARTIES AND COALITIONS IN MAURITANIA, MAY 
2006 
 
Ref: (A) Nouakchott 409, (B) Nouakchott 562 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  001.2 OF 010 
 
 
Classified by Amb. Joseph LeBaron, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d) 
 
-------------- 
(U) Key Points 
-------------- 
 
-- Mauritania currently has four identifiable political party 
coalitions, and 35 recognized political parties. 
 
-- The current issues of significant importance to political parties 
include: the organized return of refugees (ref B), public financing for 
political parties, the determination of a voting method (proportional 
representation v. winner-take-all), and the problem of voter 
registrations in the south (ref A). 
 
-- These voter registration problems recently prompted ten political 
parties (the coalitions: Rally of the Forces for Progress, and Bloc for 
Change) to send a letter to the Minister of the Interior calling for 
the government to extend the census and take steps to address the 
problems of ID card issuance (ref A).  The parties have not yet 
received a response. 
 
------------ 
(C) Comments 
------------ 
 
-- Parties and coalitions continue to form, dissolve, align and break 
apart as they search for a role in the unfamiliar territory of a 
democratic transition. 
 
-- While a majoritQof parties are little more than the personality of 
their president, and lack a definable platform or understanding of the 
democratic process, several parties are maturing quickly, and beginning 
to develop the political sophistication needed to play a viable role in 
the coming elections. 
 
Q The RDU and the PRDR (two of the strongest political parties) have 
been in talks for several months about potentially forming a 
coalition.  Given the closeness of the two parties, which formed the 
backbone of the Taya government, such a coalition would seem feasible. 
Some observers believe the two will join and run under the RDU banner 
(or the banner of a new coalition) as a way to harness the remaining 
strength of the PRDR without being harmed by the PRDS/R name.  Either 
way, such a coalition would be formidable. 
 
End Key Points and Comments. 
 
(U) Following is an updated summary of Mauritania's four current 
political party coalitions, and 35 recognized political parties, listed 
in alphabetical order. 
 
---------- 
COALITIONS 
---------- 
 
BLOC OF EIGHT (formerly Bloc of Nine, but the RDU withdrew) 
- Union for Force and Progress (UFP) 
- Popular Progressive Alliance (APP) 
- Union for Democracy and Progress (UDP) 
- Popular Front (FP) 
- Gathering of Democratic Forces (RFD) 
- SAWAB 
- Democratic Renewal (RD) 
- Rally for Mauritania (RPM) 
 
A coalition of eight of the ten "primary" Mauritanian parties (RDU 
which left the party and PRDR are the missing two).  Largely seen as a 
coalition of convenience, the group decided to join in response to the 
governmentQs request that the political parties organize themselves and 
present a small number of representatives to speak with the 
transitional government on behalf of all parties.  The group is 
unlikely to present a common list of candidates or to campaign 
together.  They should be seen more as a temporary coalition which is 
focused on trying to collectively influence the transition process, so 
they can later run as distinct parties (or form other coalitions to run 
with).  The coalition has no known president. 
 
 
BLOC POUR LE CHANGEMENT (Bloc for Change or Bloc of Four): 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  002.3 OF 010 
 
 
- Party for Liberty Equality and Justice (PLEJ) 
- Mauritanian Labor Party (PTM) 
- Alliance for Justice and Democracy (AJD) 
- Mauritanian Party for the Protection of the Environment (PMDE) 
 
This Bloc, currently headed by Mohamed Ould Dellahi, was the first 
official party coalition to form after the coup.  Originally having 
seven members, the group is now down to these four.  PLEJ and AJD are 
two of the three recognized Afro-Mauritanian political parties (APP, 
which represents both Afro-Mauritanians and Haratines is the third). 
The coalition was founded on common issues related to the rights of 
Afro-Mauritanians, and is really the only party with a coherent 
platform.  The presidency will rotate to the head of another party in 
the coming weeks. 
 
COORDINATION OF NATIONAL POLITICAL PARTIES (CPPN) 
- National Union for Democracy and Development (UNDD) 
- Mauritanian Liberal Democratic Party (PMLD) 
- National Gathering for Freedom, Democracy, and Justice (RNLDJ) 
- Planning and Construction Party (UPC) 
- Party of the Third Generation (PTG) 
- Mauritanian Revival and Agreement Party (PMRC) 
- National Group for Unity and Justice (RNUJ) 
- Mauritanian Party for Renewal (PMR) 
 
A catchall coalition of eight minor parties, led by the president of 
UNDD (the most powerful party in the coalition) Koita Tidjane.  The 
coalition originally comprised 13 parties, but five split off to form 
the Rally of the Forces for Progress Coalition. 
 
RALLY OF THE FORCES FOR PROGRESS (RFP) 
- Social Democratic Union (USD) 
- Mauritanian Central Democratic Party (PCDM) 
- National Party for Democratic Cooperation (PCD) 
- Party of Democratic Alliance (PAD) 
- Democratic Union Party (PUD) 
- Party for Work and National Unity (PTUN) 
 
A catchall coalition of six minor parties, led by the president of USD 
Isselmou Ould Hanefi.  The coalition comprises five parties that were 
formerly in the CPPN coalition, and adds the PTUN party. 
 
------- 
PARTIES 
------- 
 
¶1. AJD: Alliance pour la Justice et la Democratie (Alliance for Justice 
and Democracy) 
 
-- Small Pular party making the issue of Black African deportees 
and refugees the centerpiece of its agenda. 
 
-- One of four political parties in the coalition "Bloc of 
Parties for Change," that has committed to present a single list of 
candidates in the coming elections.  The bloc has called on the 
government to address human rights abuses and end slavery. 
 
President Cissi Amadou Cheikhou 
 
¶2. Alternative Party 
 
-- Recognized by the transitional government on March 21, 2006, 
the party includes a number of members who left the PRDS/PRDR (the 
former ruling party under Taya), and its leaders include several 
important figures from the previous regime. 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties due to the notoriety of its members. 
 
President: Mohamed Yehdhih Ould Moctar El Hassen, served as the former 
Secretary General of the PRDS for 3 years. 
 
SIPDIS 
 
¶3. APP: Alliance Populaire Progressiste (Popular Progressive Alliance) 
 
-- A self-described radical opposition party with a history of 
Pan-Arab nationalism.  The party integrated Black Arabs (Haratines) and 
Black Africans (Afro-Mauritanians) after the dissolution of the Action 
pour la Changement (Action for Change, a radical political party 
dissolved under President Taya). 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  003.2 OF 010 
 
 
 
-- APP President Boulkheir, a Black Moor, ran in the 2003 
presidential election and received 5.98 percent of the vote (according 
to official government figures). 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- On April 30, the party's Secretary General Sarr Ibrahima 
resigned from the party over "differences" with the party leadership 
over issues such as the return of refugees.  Sarr is a well-known 
spokesman for the Afro-Mauritanian community. 
 
-- A member of the "Bloc of 8," a coalition of eight of the ten 
"primary" Mauritanian political parties. 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties. 
 
President: Messaoud Ould Boulkheir, former minister of Rural 
Development under Taya. 
 
¶4. Charte Nationale/Almithaq Alwatani (National Charter) 
 
-- Very Small party with limited political influence. 
 
President:  Cheikh Melainine Ould Chbih 
 
¶5. FP: Front Populaire (Popular Front) 
 
-- Opposition party under the Taya government which held one seat 
in the former National Assembly.  Party President Chebih Ould Cheikh 
Malainine, a former Minister in Taya's government, was sentenced to 
five years in prison in 2001 for allegedly plotting to destabilize the 
government; he was released in 2003 after serving more than two years. 
 
-- Malainine has declared his presidential candidacy for the 
coming election.  Malainine is a member of the influential Cheikh 
Malainine family, well-known in both Morocco and Mauritania. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- A member of the "Bloc of 8," a coalition of eight of the ten 
"primary" Mauritanian political parties. 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties. 
 
President: Chbih Ould Cheikh Malainine 
 
¶6. PAD: Parti de l'Alliance Democratique (Party of Democratic Alliance) 
 
-- Very small opposition party with limited political influence. 
Member of the former majority governing coalition under Taya. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 6 parties in the "Rally of the Forces for Progress (RFP)," a 
catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of the USD 
Isselmou Ould Hanefi. 
 
Representative: Mohamed Abdallahi Ould Taleb Ethmane 
 
¶7. PCD: Parti pour la Cooperation Democratique (National Party for 
Democratic Cooperation) 
 
-- Small party with limited political influence. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  004.2 OF 010 
 
 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 6 parties in the "Rally of the Forces for Progress (RFP)," a 
catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of the USD 
Isselmou Ould Hanefi. 
 
President:  Mahfoudh Ould Mohamed Saleh Ould Ahmed 
 
¶8. PCDM: Parti du Centre Democratique Mauritanien (Mauritanian Central 
Democratic Party) 
 
-- Very small party with limited political influence.  Member of 
the former majority governing coalition under Taya. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 6 parties in the "Rally of the Forces for Progress (RFP)," a 
catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of the USD 
Isselmou Ould Hanefi. 
 
President: Mamouny Ould Mokar Mbareck, former Wali in Assaba under 
Taya. (A Wali is the Presidential-appointed head of government for one 
of Mauritania's 13 regions.) 
 
¶9. PLEJ: Parti pour la Liberti l'Egaliti et la Justice (Party for 
Liberty, Equality, and Justice) 
 
-- Opposition Pular party under the Taya government.  Party 
President Alassane (who lived in the U.S. for several years) served as 
a Minister under former President Daddah and was a UN Adviser in the 
Great Lakes conflict. 
 
-- One of four political parties in the coalition "Bloc of 
Parties for Change," that has committed to present a single list of 
candidates in the coming elections.  The bloc has called on the 
government to address human rights abuses and end slavery. 
 
President: Ba Mamadou Alassane 
 
¶10. PMDE: Parti Mauritanien pour la Defense de l'Environnement 
(Mauritanian Party for the Protection of Environment) 
 
-- Very small green party with limited political influence. 
Member of the former majority governing coalition under Taya. 
 
-- One of four political parties in the coalition "Bloc of 
Parties for Change," that has committed to present a single list of 
candidates in the coming elections.  The bloc has called on the 
government to address human rights abuses and end slavery. 
 
President: Mohamed Ould Sidi Dellahi 
 
¶11. PMLD: Parti Mauritanien des Libaux Democrates (Mauritanian Liberal 
Democratic Party) 
 
-- Very small opposition party under the Taya government with a 
small following and limited political influence.  The group is largely 
inactive. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a collective 
memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation of a 
proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 8 parties in the "Coordination of National Political Parties 
(CPPN)," a catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of 
UNDD Koita Tidjane. 
 
President: Moustapha Ould Lemrabott 
 
¶12. PMR: Parti Mauritanien du Renouveau (Mauritanian Party for Renewal) 
 
-- Very small party with limited political influence. 
 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  005.2 OF 010 
 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a collective 
memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation of a 
proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 8 parties in the "Coordination of National Political Parties 
(CPPN)," a catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of 
UNDD Koita Tidjane. 
 
President: Mohamed Ould Haimdoune 
 
¶13. PMRC: Parti Mauritanien pour le Renouveau et la Concorde 
(Mauritanian Revival and Agreement Party) 
 
-- Small, moderate opposition party with no real following and 
limited influence.  Party President Jiyid ran in the 1992, 1997 and 
2003 presidential elections. In the last election he received only 1.48 
percent of the vote (according to official government figures). 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 8 parties in the "Coordination of National Political Parties 
(CPPN)," a catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of 
UNDD Koita Tidjane. 
 
President: Moulaye El Hacen Ould Jiyid 
 
¶14. PMUC: Parti Mauritanien pour l'Union et le Changement (Mauritanian 
Party for Union and Change) 
 
-- Recognized by the transitional government on March 21, 2006, the 
party was formed by members of the Knights of Change, a group of 
military officers that participated in three failed coup attempts 
between 2003 and 2004 against former President Taya. 
 
-- The party has some limited popular support stemming from their 
longstanding opposition to the Taya regime, but are seen by many as a 
military force rather than a viable political party. 
 
President:  Saleh Ould Hanena, a former Army Major arrested and later 
released by the Taya government. 
 
¶15. PRDR: Parti Republicain pour la Democracie et le Renouveau 
(Republican Party for Democracy and Revival) 
 
Name Changed from: 
 
PRDS: Parti Republicain Democratique et Social (Democratic and Social 
Republican Party) 
 
-- Former President Taya's political party.  Largely composed of 
the elite from Taya's government.  The party held different meetings 
from late October to early December in which it elected new party 
leadership, changed the party name, and eliminated the position of 
party chairman. 
 
-- The party remains the largest, most powerful party in 
Mauritania.  However, infighting and desertions have weakened it 
significantly. 
 
Secretary General: Ikrin Ould Mohamed Vall, former Minister and 
 
SIPDIS 
Ambassador to Saudi Arabia under Taya. 
 
¶16. PSD:  Parti Sociale Democratique (Democratic Social Party) 
 
-- An ethnically mixed opposition party of doctors, lawyers, 
professors and other professionals recognized by the transitional 
government on March 21, 2006.  The party's platform calls for an 
equitable distribution of wealth, increased humanitarian assistance for 
the poor, and an end to tribalism and government corruption.  The party 
has a small number of followers. 
 
President: Mohamed Saleck Ould Deida 
 
¶17. PTG: Parti de la Troisieme Generation (Party of the Third 
Generation) 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  006.2 OF 010 
 
 
 
-- Very small opposition Nasserist party with a small following 
and limited political influence.  The group is largely inactive. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 8 parties in the "Coordination of National Political Parties 
(CPPN)," a catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of 
UNDD Koita Tidjane. 
 
Representative: Lebatt Ould Etah 
 
¶18. PTM: Parti Travailliste Mauritanian (Mauritanian Labor Party) 
 
-- Very small political party with limited political influence.  Close 
to the former majority governing coalition under Taya. 
 
-- One of four political parties in the coalition "Bloc of 
Parties for Change," that has committed to present a single list of 
candidates in the coming elections.  The bloc has called on the 
government to address human rights abuses and end slavery. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
President: Mohamed El Hafedh Ould Denna (from Taya's Smacide tribe) 
 
¶19. PTUN: Parti pour le Travail et l'Uniti Nationale (Party for Work 
and National Unity) 
 
-- Very small opposition party with limited political influence. 
Close to the Iraqi Baath party.  The group is largely inactive. 
 
-- One of 6 parties in the "Rally of the Forces for Progress (RFP)," a 
catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of the USD 
Isselmou Ould Hanefi. 
 
President: Ely Bouha Ould Aweineni 
 
¶20. PUD: Parti Unioniste Democratique (Democratic Union Party) 
 
-- Very small opposition party under the Taya government with a 
small following and limited political influence.  The group is largely 
inactive. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 6 parties in the "Rally of the Forces for Progress (RFP)," a 
catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of the USD 
Isselmou Ould Hanefi. 
 
Representative: Mahfoudh Ould Azizi 
 
¶21. RD: Renouveau Dimocratique (Democratic Renewal) 
 
-- A centrist party comprised predominately of former members of 
the PRDS/PRDR who left to form this new party. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- A member of the "Bloc of 8," a coalition of eight of the ten 
"primary" Mauritanian political parties. 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties. 
 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  007.2 OF 010 
 
 
President: Moustapha Ould Abeidarrahmane was a key player in the Taya 
government, serving as Taya's first campaign director in the 1992 
presidential elections, and later as governor of the Central Bank. 
 
¶22. RDU: Rassemblement pour la Democracie et l'Uniti (Rally for 
Democracy and Unity) 
 
-- First recognized party.  Member of the former majority governing 
coalition under Taya with very influential and well-known intellectual 
figures including former Ambassador to the U.S., Mohamed Said Ould 
Hamody, who played a key role in organizing a national dialogue between 
the majority and opposition parties in April.  The party had been 
closely aligned with the PRDS (Now PRDR). 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties. 
 
President: Ahmed Ould Sidi Baba, cousin of former President Taya, 
brother of former President of the Moroccan National Assembly, Dey Ould 
Sidi Baba.  He served several times as Minister under both Daddah and 
Taya. 
 
¶23. RFD: Rassemblement des Forces Democratiques (Gathering of 
Democratic Forces) 
 
-- The party has strengthened considerably since the August 3 coup. 
Established in 2001, it was the oldest opposition party under Taya, and 
suffered from his oppression, including the repeated jailing of RFD 
members -- including RFD President Ahmed Ould Daddah on several 
occasions.  With Taya out, the RFD can now operate more freely and it 
has gained significant political capital for having withstood Taya for 
so many years. 
 
-- The RFD has attracted many new high-profile members since the coup, 
many of whom have come from the PRDS.  Defectors include N'beyka Mayor 
Mohamed Ould Ahmed and close friends and relatives of Colonel Fal, such 
as Ahmed Ould Hamza. 
 
-- RFD's President Ahmed Ould Daddah (brother of Mauritania's first 
post-independence President, Moktar Ould Daddah) received 6.85 percent 
of the vote in the 2003 presidential elections (according to official 
government figures). 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- A member of the "Bloc of 8," a coalition of eight of the ten 
"primary" Mauritanian political parties. 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties. 
 
President:  Ahmed Ould Daddah (brother of former first President Moktar 
Ould Daddah) 
 
¶24. RNLDJ: Rassemblement National pour la Liberti, la Dimocratie et la 
Justice (National Gathering for Freedom, Democracy and Justice) 
 
-- Very small party with limited political influence. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 8 parties in the "Coordination of National Political Parties 
(CPPN)," a catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of 
UNDD Koita Tidjane. 
 
President:  Mohamed Ahmed Ould Sidi Yahya 
 
¶25. RNUJ: Rassemblement National pour l'Uniti et la Justice (National 
Group for Unity and Justice) 
 
-- Very small party with limited political influence.  Member of 
the former majority governing coalition under Taya.  This was the only 
party that called for the return of Taya after the August third coup. 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  008.2 OF 010 
 
 
The party spokesman is a member of TayaQs Smacid Tribe. 
 
-- One of 8 parties in the "Coordination of National Political Parties 
(CPPN)," a catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of 
UNDD Koita Tidjane. 
 
Spokesman: Abdel Vettah Ould Abeidna 
 
¶26. RPM: Rassemblement pour la Mauritanie (Rally for Mauritania) 
 
-- Initially the party applied for recognition under the name PCD 
(Party of Democratic Convergence).  They were denied recognition under 
the government claim that they were an Islamic party (in violation of 
Mauritanian law), due to their well known Islamist membership, 
including Jemil Mansour and Moktar Ould Mohamed Moussa.  The party 
removed its Islamist members and reapplied for recognition under the 
new name. 
 
-- The party has many well known members, many of whom supported 
Former President Haidalla in the 2003 elections against Taya. 
 
-- A member of the "Bloc of 8," a coalition of eight of the ten 
"primary" Mauritanian political parties. 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties. 
 
President: Dr. Cheikh Horma O. Babana 
 
¶27. SAWAB: (Right Way in Arabic) 
 
-- Important Arab Nationalist/Baathist party that was among the 
most recent parties recognized by the former regime.  Created by the 
main Arab Nationalist figures in the country (Breydelleyl and Ismael 
Ould Amar) who supported Haidalla in the 2003 presidential elections. 
Very active with the national Arab elite.  Includes many of the members 
of the former National Rebirth Party (PRN). 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- A member of the "Bloc of 8," a coalition of eight of the ten 
"primary" Mauritanian political parties. 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties. 
 
President:  Cheikh Ould Sidi Ould Hanena 
 
¶28. UCD: Union du Centre Democratique (Union of the Democratic Center) 
 
-- Recognized by the transitional government on March 21, 2006, 
the party includes a number of members who left the PRDS/PRDR (the 
former ruling party under Taya).  Its leadership includes several 
wealthy individuals with strong ties to former President Taya. 
 
-- The party has a small following and limited political 
influence. 
 
Leadership: Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Deh, Rachid Ould Saleh, Yahya Ould 
Atigh, Taleb Mohamed Ould Lemrabot Hamoud Ould Abdy, Eby Ould Doussou, 
Ba Houdou 
 
¶29. UDN: Union Demoratique Nationale (Democratic National Party) 
 
-- Very small party with limited political influence.  The group 
is largely inactive. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
President: Baba Ould Ahmed Salem 
 
¶30.  UDP: Union pour la Democratie et le Progres (Union for Democracy 
and Progress) 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  009.2 OF 010 
 
 
 
-- Small, ethnically mixed party with several seats in the former 
National Assembly.  Member of the former majority governing coalition 
under Taya. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- A member of the "Bloc of 8," a coalition of eight of the ten 
"primary" Mauritanian political parties. 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties. 
 
President: Ms. Naha Mint Mouknass, took over after the death of her 
father Hamdi Ould Mouknass the founder of the party and a former 
Minister of Foreign Affairs under DaddahQs regime and a presidential 
advisor to Taya.  She is the only female president of a recognized 
political party. 
 
¶31. UFP: Union des Forces du Progres (Union for Force and Progress) 
 
-- Moderate opposition group under the Taya government that split 
from the former UFD (political party of Ahmed Ould Daddah) after 
opposing the integration of Nasserists.  Composed primarily of 
Afro-Mauritanians and Haratines, the group favored an open dialogue 
with the former government and was one of the most important opposition 
parties to have regular meetings with President Taya. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- A member of the "Bloc of 8," a coalition of eight of the ten 
"primary" Mauritanian political parties. 
 
-- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable political 
parties. 
 
President: Mohamed Ould Maouloud 
 
¶32. UNDD: Union Nationale pour la Democratie et le Developpement 
(National Union for Democracy and Development) 
 
-- Small moderate opposition party under the Taya government with 
limited political influence.  Predominantly Soninki in membership, 
party president Tidjane is a former Senator of Kaedi (in the South). 
Tidjane met regularly with President Taya. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 8 parties in the "Coordination of National Political Parties 
(CPPN)," a catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of 
UNDD Koita Tidjane. 
 
President: Koita Tidjane 
 
¶33. UPC: Union pour la Planification et la Construction (Planning and 
Construction Party) 
 
-- Very small party from the former majority governing coalition 
under Taya.  The party has a small following and limited political 
influence. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 8 parties in the "Coordination of National Political Parties 
(CPPN)," a catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000568  010.2 OF 010 
 
 
UNDD Koita Tidjane. 
 
Secretary General: Itawal Oumrou Ould H'Meyid 
 
SIPDIS 
 
¶34. UPSD: Union Populaire Socialiste et Democrate (Popular Democratic 
Social Union) 
 
-- Small, leftist opposition party popular in the 90's. 
President Ould Mah was the former Mayor of Nouakchott.  The group's 
popularity has waned, and with the exception of their participation in 
the national dialogue held in April, they have been largely inactive in 
recent years. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
President: Dr. Mohamed Mahmoud Ould Mah, an economist and university 
professor, has close ties to the Syrian Bath Party.  He often speaks 
out against the World Bank and IMF 
 
¶35. USD: Union Sociale Democrate (Social Democratic Union) 
 
-- Very small Party with limited political influence.  Close to 
the former presidential majority. 
 
-- One of 22 political parties that on November 23 signed a 
collective memorandum advocating on issues such as the implementation 
of a proportional representation electoral system, the use of a single 
ballot and a ban on independent candidates in the coming elections. 
The 22 political parties have not issued subsequent statements. 
 
-- One of 6 parties in the "Rally of the Forces for Progress (RFP)," a 
catchall coalition of minor parties, led by the president of the USD 
Isselmou Ould Hanefi. 
 
President: Isselmou Ould Hanefi 
LeBaron