Yemeni Opposition [Archives:2000/45/Focus]

Imad Al-Saqqaf
Taiz Bureau Chief
Yemen Times
It is essential for the political opposition to exist in the democratic countries. The opposition is the other side of the authority and it shows the ruler his mistakes and defects. It also provides a clear vision about how to correct corrupted situations.
In Yemen the opposition first emerged in 95. Therefore, it is still in its beginning and has no plans or programs or a clear vision of taking part in the political life and how to cope with the peoples little understanding of the democratic process and plurality.
Until now we did not find an opposition that strives for fair causes for people and there are no parties close to or respecting the ordinary public. The parties opinions and visions have become just those of the their leaders neglecting the parties bases and opinions. There is little in the role of the opposition having no way of communication with the people except newspapers that the ordinary man does not read.
The opposition parties call for democracy but do not practice it in their parties. The members of the opposition criticize the government but when they reach the chairs of ministries their strife ends and they start getting rich through illegal means.
Today, the ordinary citizen pins no hope with the opposition that would relieve him of poverty and worries because it did not offer anything to its members either. Therefore, the relationship between the opposition and the people is fragile and lacking trust. However, the relationship between the opposition and the government is based on political disputes and wrangles and exchanging accusations. This relationship will not develop except with development of the democratic practice and the citizens awareness.
What is needed now is establishing relationships of trust and mutual respect between the political parties and the opposition on one side and between the opposition and the people on the other. These relationships will not be established except with shared hard work for the interest of the country. In addition, the opposition must possess a clear vision and a specific program and must take part effectively in solving the economic and political problems the country is passing through.

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