However, reports indicated that security forces were torturing and killing suspected dissidents. The first elections, held in November 1993, were won by President Obiang's ruling party. However, there was no electoral roll, leaders of some opposition parties were prohibited from campaigning and all media reporting was quashed. Seven of the 14 parties united, campaigning for an election boycott, and about a third of the electorate voted. The island of Bioko, despite its smaller size, generates most of the country's income.
Primary exports are timber and cocoa, since coffee production has substantially declined.
An oil production and exploration industry, begun in 1992-3, has the potential to transform the economy, but is more likely to reinforce corrupt government.