the rdr held its first ordinary congress on july 2–3, 1995, at which ouattara was nominated as its presidential candidate. following kobina's death, the party held its first extraordinary congress in january 1999 to elect a new secretary-general. ouattara was elected president of the rdr on august 1, 1999 at the second extraordinary congress of the party, and he was designated as the party's candidate for the next presidential election.