Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya
Maaouya Ould Sid'Ahmed Taya became
president of
Mauritania by deposing Mohamed Khouna Ould Haidallah in a coup in
1984. He won an election in
1992, which was said by the opposition to be fradulent. In June
2003 he survived a coup attempt. On
November 7, 2003 new elections were held, which were won by Ould Taya with 66.69% of the vote. The opposition again denounced the result as fradulent.
President Taya is also known by the Arabic transliteration of his name, Mu'awiya walad Sayyidi Ahmad Taya.