An Extraordinary Congress of the ruling Congolese Workers' Party (PCT) opened in Brazzaville on Wednesday (27 December) under the chairmanship of President Marien Ngouabi to discuss revision of party structure, its organisations and a new programme.

The Congress was also called to discuss party changes following an abortive coup in Brazzaville last February. A campaign to test public opinion on important issues, to be discussed at the Congress, was started two months ago.

During the same period, Congolese citizens were allowed to apply for membership of the PCT and so far 3,500 people have completed applications.

Delegates to the Congress were allotted the task of drawing up a radical party strategy to achieve economic independence, the construction of scientific socialism and introduce a state of 'national, democratic and popular revolution.'
SYNOPSIS: An extraordinary Congress of the ruling Congolese Workers' Party opened in Brazzaville on Wednesday to discuss a revision of the Party's structures and organisations.

All the members of the Central Committee of the Party and Diplomatic representatives attended the opening ceremony. The Congress was called following an abortive coup in Brazzaville last February. A campaign to test public opinion on possible party changes was started two months ago. During that period, Congolese citizens were allowed to apply for membership of the party. According to official figures, 3,500 have so far applied.

Congress delegates had been given the task of drawing up a new party programme.

Under the Chairmanship of President Marien Ngouabi, the Congress hoped to reach resolutions regarding economic independence and the construction of scientific socialism. During the session, the delegates chanted "everything for the people."