New presidential elections will occur in the near future?

On 7 August 2008 the leaders of a military coup that ousted President Sidi Ould Cheikh Abdallahi from power announced that new presidential elections will occur in the near future. The presidential guard chief, Mohammad Ould Abdelaziz, the person responsible for staging the coup, has set up a council containing 11 members who will rule the nation. The coup began after the president attempted to dismiss four senior army officials. The situation remains relatively calm throughout Nouakchott. Approximately 50 demonstrators protested against the decision made by the presidential guard to reverse the president's decision to dismiss the four officials; however, they were easily controlled by tear gas fired by troops. International politicians pressured the council to release the president and return him to power. However, the council has refused to do so and has gained support from local politicians, who have scheduled a march for 7 August.