state. The Local Governments have their own legal jurisdiction, financial autonomy, an annual budget, staff, and an office. The elections for the local government are conducted every five years along with Senate and Parliamentary elections. On account of the political instability, the last elections were held in 2006. Hodh Ech Chargui is divided into seven departments, listed below with their area and populations at the 2013 Census. See also Regions of Mauritania Departments of Mauritania References Regions of Mauritania Hodh Ech Chargui Region