 Two regime changes took place as the country faced a rise in ethnic tensions, with Denis Sassou Nguesso assuming presidency in 1979.In 1990 the country made its first steps towards a multiparty political system, eventually leading to the 1992 general elections.The elections concluded with UPADS candidate Pascal Lissouba winning the presidential race, MCDDI's Bernard Kolelas coming second, and PCT's Sassou Nguesso running third.