The first convention of the ruling "People's Revolutionary Movement" (MPR) ended on May 23 with the outlawing of all opposition parties. The party's leader and President of congo-Kinshasa, Joseph Mobutu was nominated as sole candidate in next November's Presidential election.

The three-day convention, held at Nsele 35 miles (56 kms) south-east of the capital Kinshasa, coincided with third anniversary of the MPR. Five African heads of state addressed the 1,100 delegates from Congo-Kinshasa and 25 other African countries: president Ahmadou Ahidijo of Cameroun; Francois Tombalbaye of Chad, Jean-Bedel Bokassa of Central African Republic, Etienne Eyadema of Togo and Michel Micombero of Burundi.

The MPR resolved during the convention that all institutions in the country are subordinate to the Party and operate under its control. It accordingly instructed an amendment of the Constitution which at present allows two political parties. Referring to the Constitution, General Mobutu said it did not follow that an opposition party must be created.