 According to a 1986 article in the League's publication, "The People's Voice", the MLLT was first established in 1983 as "pre-party organization" called the Organization of the Vanguard Elements.This grouping would become the MLLT in 1985 to serve as a "vanguard party for the TPLF".According to Aregawi Berhe, the MLLT held its founding congress on 25 July 1985 in the gorge of the Wari River.