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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 11 NOUAKCHOTT 000979 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2016 
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM PINR EAID KPAO MR
SUBJECT: SUMMARY OF POLITICAL PARTIES AND COALITIONS IN 
MAURITANIA, AUGUST 2006 
 
REF: A. NOUAKCHOTT 409 
     ¶B. NOUAKCHOTT 562 
     ¶C. NOUAKCHOTT 842 
 
Classified By: Classified by CDA Steven C. Koutsis, 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: public financing for political parties, the 
organized return of refugees (ref B), the problem of voter 
registrations in the south (ref A), and Mauritanian-Israeli 
relations in the context of the ongoing Middle East conflict 
(ref C). 
 
------------ 
(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. 
 
-- The recently formed political party coalition, "Coalition 
of Forces for Democratic Change (CFDC)," has quickly 
established itself as a leading coalition, organizing mass 
rallies and grabbing headlines (ref C). 
 
-- While a majority of 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. 
 
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 
---------- 
 
THE COALITION OF FORCES FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE (CFDC): 
(Six former members of the Bloc of Eight coalition) 
- The Popular Progressive Alliance (APP) 
- The Popular Front (FP) 
- Union for Forces and Progress (UFP) 
- Democratic Renewal (RD) 
- Gathering of Democratic Forces (RFD) 
- Rally for Mauritania (RPM) 
 
(Two new members) 
- Mauritanian Party for Union and Change (PMUC) 
- Union of the Democratic Center (UCD) 
 
(Two unrecognized members) 
- The Central Reformist Party 
- The Direct Democratic Movement 
 
The CFDC, which includes some of Mauritania's most powerful 
political parties, has committed to working collectively to 
prevent any candidates from the former regime from being 
elected, to form a coalition government if any CFDC parties 
win the presidency, and to cutting Mauritania's diplomatic 
ties with Israel.  The coalition rose out of the powerful 
"Bloc of Eight" coalition, which had formed to collectively 
negotiate with the government on the run up to elections, but 
had not planned to work collectively during or after 
elections.  The CFDC, which includes six of the eight parties 
from the Bloc of Eight, is a more formal coalition aimed at 
gaining power through party-to-party cooperation.  The 
presidency of the coalition rotates among member parties 
every 15 days.  Currently, Jemil Ould Mansour, president of 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000979  002 OF 011 
 
 
the unrecognized political party "The Central Reformist 
Party," is president of the coalition. 
 
 
BLOC FOR CHANGE (BPC): 
- 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) 
 
The BPC, currently headed by Cisse Amadou Cheikhou, 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.  The presidency rotates among member 
parties 
 
 
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) 
 
The CPPN is 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) 
 
The RFP is 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 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 Cisse 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. 
 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000979  003 OF 011 
 
 
President: Mohamed Yehdhih Ould Moctar El Hassen, served as 
the former Secretary General of the PRDS for 3 years. 
 
¶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). 
 
-- 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 "CFDC" a political party coalition which 
includes some of Mauritania's most powerful 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, who has declared his candidacy for the 
presidency, 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 "CFDC" a political party coalition which 
includes some of Mauritania's most powerful 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 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000979  004 OF 011 
 
 
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 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 Liberte l'Egalite 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 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 of the party Ba Mamadou Alassane has announced 
his candidacy for the presidency. 
 
President: Ba Mamadou Alassane 
 
¶10. PMDE: Parti Mauritanien pour la Defense de 
l,Environnement (Mauritanian Party for the Protection of the 
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 
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 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000979  005 OF 011 
 
 
 
¶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. 
 
      -- 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. 
 
-- A member of the "CFDC" a political party coalition which 
includes some of Mauritania's most powerful political parties. 
 
      -- Co-founder of the party Mohamed Ould Cheikhna has 
declared his candidacy for the presidency. 
 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000979  006 OF 011 
 
 
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 
 
SIPDIS 
and 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) 
 
-- 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 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'Unite Nationale (Party 
for Work and National Unity) 
 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000979  007 OF 011 
 
 
      -- 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 Democratique (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 "CFDC" a political party coalition which 
includes some of Mauritania's most powerful political parties. 
 
      -- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable 
political parties. 
 
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'Unite (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 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000979  008 OF 011 
 
 
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/PRDR. 
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 "CFDC" a political party coalition which 
includes some of Mauritania's most powerful 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 Liberte, la 
Democratie 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'Unite 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.  The party spokesman is a member of 
Taya,s 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 "CFDC" a political party coalition which 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000979  009 OF 011 
 
 
includes some of Mauritania's most powerful political parties. 
 
      -- The group is seen by many as one of the more viable 
political parties. 
 
Presdient: Dr. Cheikh Ould Horma 
 
¶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. 
 
      -- Former member of the "Bloc of 8" coalition which 
dissolved and regrouped into the current CFDC coalition. 
SAWAB, along with "The Union for Democracy and Progress," 
decided not to join the CFDC, citing "ideological difference" 
with the new coalition. 
 
      -- 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. 
 
-- A member of the "CFDC" a political party coalition which 
includes some of Mauritania's most powerful political parties. 
 
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) 
 
-- 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. 
 
      -- Former member of the "Bloc of 8" coalition which 
 
NOUAKCHOTT 00000979  010 OF 011 
 
 
dissolved and regrouped into the current CFDC coalition. 
UDP, along with "SAWAB," decided not to join the CFDC, citing 
"ideological difference" with the new coalition. 
 
      -- 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 Daddah,s 
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 "CFDC" a political party coalition which 
includes some of Mauritania's most powerful 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 Soninke 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 UNDD Koita Tidjane. 
 
Secretary General: Itawal Oumrou Ould H'Meyid 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
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¶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 of the party Isselmou Ould Hanefi has 
announced his candidacy for the presidency. 
 
President: Isselmou Ould Hanefi 
Koutsis