In Novermber 1991, a new constitution authorizing multipartism was adopted by referendum. The legislative Assembly is made up of 80 members who are elected for a five-year term of office. The President and the House of Representatives are elected on universal suffrage. The President appoints the council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.

On 7 March 1999, 692 candidates from a dozen of political parties, with 10 from the opposition, took part in parliamentary elections. The Equatorial Guinea Democratic Party (PDGE) won with 75 out of the 80 seats in the National Assembly. Two opposition parties are represented : the convergence for social Democracy (CPDS) and the Popular Union (UP).