In February 1990, the election of a body of representatives of these citizens – the Congress of Estonia – was conducted by those who had been registered. The Congress had 499 delegates from 31 political parties. The Estonian National Independence Party (, usually abbreviated as ERSP) won the most seats. Other parties represented included the Popular Front of Estonia, the Heritage Society and the Communist Party of Estonia. The permanent standing committee of the Congress of Estonia – the Committee of Estonia () – was chaired by Mr. Tunne Kelam.