Mauritania's U.S.- and Israeli-allied longtime leader was winning presidential elections in the Arab-dominated desert nation Saturday, beating a challenger who was backed by Islamic fundamentalists and liberal reformers alike, preliminary results showed.
..Mauritania has never seen a peaceful transfer of power in its 43 years of independence from France.
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FYI.
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Chief of State:
President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya.
President OULD TAYA was born in Atar (Adrar Wilaya) in 1941. After graduating from the Coranic School, the Franco-Arabic Primary school "Medersah" of Atar (1949-1955), and the high school of Rosso in southern Mauritania, he attended the French Military School in 1960 and graduated as an officer. In 1963, he joined the Military High Academy, and in 1975 went to the French War Academy for strategic training.
After 1978, Mr. OULD TAYA was in charge of the Defense Ministry and Chief of Police in 1980. He became Chief of Staff of the Army in January 1981 and served as Prime Minister from April 1981 to March 1984.
He was designated again as head of the National Army in 1984 and a few months later, President of the Military National Salvation Army until his election as a head of state by popular vote.
Elections: The President was elected by popular vote for a six-year term on December 12, 1997 (next election will be held in November 2003).
Election results: President Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed TAYA was reelected with 90.9% of the vote in 1997. In 1992 he was elected with 63% of the vote.
Head of Government: Prime Minister Cheikh El Afia Ould Mohamed Khouna. The Prime Minister was appointed by the President on November 16, 1998. His government program is presented to both the National Assembly and the Senate for approval.
Cabinet : Council of Ministers: Composed of about 21 members (18 men and 3 women).