March 1, 1966: National Liberation Council bans all political parties

The National Liberation Council (NLC) having come into power following what is widely acknowledged as a CIA inspired and supported coup, was composed of four army officers and four police officers. It appointed a cabinet of civil servants and promised to restore democratic government as quickly as possible. The NLC decreed a ban on the formation of political parties which remained in force until late 1968, but activity by individual figures began much earlier with the appointment of a succession of committees composed of civil servants and politicians as the first step in the return to civilian and representative rule.