Mauritania's President dissolved the National Assembly on Monday and announced legislative, regional, and municipal elections for May 13, the Interior Minister said.

The parliamentary term was to end in August. However, an agreement was made to hold early elections to avoid the rainy season since some areas will be difficult to access. 

After an exceptional meeting of the council of ministers, Interior Minister Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed Lemine made the announcement.

In addition, the number of members in the Mauritanian parliament consisted of 157 members, which will increase to 176, as mentioned in the official news agency. 

As the opposition remains divided, the majority of the now-dissolved parliament consists of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani's party.

Mauritania's former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and two former prime ministers and several former ministers and businessmen are currently on trial for allegedly abusing their power to accumulate large sums.

The trial is to resume on March 20, according to what the prosecutor's office told AFP.

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