At the time, the transitional council was designed to be the final phase leading to a scheduled hand over to an elected democratic leader.

But negotiators still hope that Inkatha, at least, can be lured back by the temptation of a seat on the transitional council.

Agreement would be reached on a transitional council to assume power during the campaign season.

Mr. Mandela seems almost certain to get the elections and the transitional council, but not in time to brighten his American visit.

As for the transitional council, it is not even due to be debated until the negotiators return from a two-week break.

The Khmer Rouge have been the least cooperative of the four groups that make up the nation's transitional governing council.

But critics within the nation and without have begun complaining that the transitional council thus far lacks a sense of urgency.

Elections were held in April 1986, and a transitional military council turned over power to a civilian government as promised.

A national transitional council was to guide the transition process and prepare the necessary modification of the constitution in order to help elections.

The proposals call for the appointment of multiracial "transitional councils" to advise the Government on the passage to constitutional change.