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In May 1999, Azali decreed a constitution that gave him both executive and legislative powers.

Bowing somewhat to international criticism, Azali appointed a civilian Prime Minister, Bainrifi Tarmidi, in December 1999 ; however, Azali retained the mantle of Head of State and army Commander.

In December 2000, Azali named a new civilian Prime Minister, Hamada Madi, and formed a new civilian Cabinet.

When Azali took power he also pledged to step down in April 2000 and relinquish control to a democratically elected president — a pledge with mixed results.