The electorate of French colonies in Africa was divided into two segments, one elected by common law citizens (the first college, i.e. French citizens) and one elected by citizens of professional stature (the second college, i.e. Africans who were 21 years and above, and qualified as a member of one of twelve specified categories; civil servants, notables, soldiers and veterans, heads of native collectivities, members of native courts, etc.).
The Congolese member of the National Assembly, Jean-Félix Tchicaya, was the sole voice from the AEF to condemn the separate electoral college system during the debates in the National Assembly in the run-up to the elections.
[4] Barthélemy Boganda of the Popular Republican Movement (MRP) was elected from Oubangui-Chari.
He contested the election as an 'independent socialist', supported by the local French administration.
After the elections, Bayrou joined the Gaullist Rally of the French People.