Elections: The only road to the peaceful transfer of power [Archives:2006/948/Front Page]

In his nationally televised address on the 16th anniversary of Yemen's Unification, President Saleh remarked that the reunification of Yemen on 22 May 1990 was a national and historical achievement that occurred at a time when other parts of world were experiencing disintegration and secession.

“What can be considered a source of pride for the Yemeni people is that we have, from the start, committed ourselves to democratic principles and general reforms out of our own national will and desire.

These reforms should come from within and respond to the demands of the people. The Yemeni people have started to feel the importance of democracy as the final national option,” the President added.

The President also declared that this year's anniversary celebrations in Hodidah will coincide with the attainment of many achievements in development. He added that “Yemen will have local and presidential elections and efforts are being exerted to conduct them in an impartial and secure, democratic atmosphere with utter transparency.” He called upon parties and political organizations to provide programs and to compete fairly so that voters make it to the polls, as fair election process is the only way for peacefully transferring of power.

Additionally, he asked the Supreme Committee for Elections and Referendum (SCER) to take full responsibility in respecting all procedures related to the electoral process according to the constitution and Yemeni law. The President renewed his call for civil society organizations to actively participate in monitoring the upcoming presidential and local elections. He mentioned that an international monitoring group has been invited to observe the elections to ensure the impartiality of the elections.

On a different note, the president instructed the government to create new jobs for young Yemenis and distribute more agricultural land for them to develop. The government will offer loans to invest in small businesses to help achieve greater employment.

The President reconfirmed the Yemeni position towards the Palestinian conflict calling on the international community to respect the will of the Palestinian people and their democratic choice; and to lift the embargo on the Hamas-led government. He also called upon the Iraqi people to stand firm, maintain their national unity, and to participate in creating a better future for Iraq until the American occupation ends. Lastly, the President expressed his sorrow for the latest developments in Somalia and called upon all parties to resort to dialogue in order to enhance the stability and peace in their country.
——
[archive-e:948-v:14-y:2006-d:2006-05-22-p:front]