sentences:  In an August 2009 interview, Jackou explained that the PNA-Aloumat decided to participate because doing so was necessary "to ensure the survival of our party"; he said that participation in elections was essential to the purpose of a political party and that he had no interest in leading a party that did not take part in elections.He cited the example of the opposition boycott of the 1996 parliamentary election, which he said was a mistake.Despite his decision to participate in the election, Jackou said in the same interview that his party was not breaking with the broader opposition.