 At other times, he ordered snap elections when it appeared that the GPC would enact laws he opposed.Gaddafi proclaimed that the People's Congresses provided for Libya's every political need, rendering other political organizations unnecessary; all non-authorized groups, including political parties, professional associations, independent trade unions, and women's groups, were banned.Despite these restrictions, St. John noted that the "Jamhariyah" system still "introduced a level of representation and participation hitherto unknown in Libya".