While Yemen prepares to vote, opposition fightsJMP splits [Archives:2003/624/Front Page]

MOHAMMED BIN SALLAM
Yemen's opposition parties can't agree how to wage battle upcoming parliamentary elections April 27, casting doubt if they will offer any competition to government.
While the growing rift among the Joint Meeting Parties comes after previous coordination among members in JMP, it reveals a divide between the Islah Party and other JMP members on a number of issues.
As a result, the National Democratic Preparation Committee could not reach consensus during its latest meeting last week.
Disagreements between Islah leaders are over how to determine policies followed by the party, and Islah's list of candidates for the elections.
According to one JMP leader, Sheikh Azzandani has aligned himself with the ruling party.
Political observers note in the long-term the split threatens the democratic experiences, the member parties and any lasting influence they wish to have.
The charter of National Democratic Preparation Committee will continue its sessions and work and until it meets the president of the republic on Feb. 26.
Shiekh Abdullah bin Hussien al-Ahmer who leads the tribal wing, will put up candidates according to his tribal tendency, whereas, Shiekh Abdulmajeed Azandani who represents the Brothers Muslims wing has a different list.
In addition to this, the political organizational wing represented by al-Yadoomi, al-Anesi, Qahtan and others has a list of cultured candidates.
Meanwhile, the Rabetat Abna al-Yemen, or RAY, has declared it will boycott the elections.
“The upcoming elections is dedicated to means to move away from the real democracy which constitutes the mainstay for it,” said a RAY statement.
In a statement issued following a meeting by the executive committee, RAY secretary general Ali bin Ali said it would have democratic participation in case alterations are made. He further calls the public, political institutions and other organizations for changes before RAY participates in the parliamentary elections.
On their part, RAY leaders in governorates like Lahj, Taiz, and Dhala'e have expressed their dissuasion of the statement of the executive committee, specifically their call for boycott.
They have demanded for reconsidering the decision as quickly as possible in order to avoid any negative reflections expected to endanger their party.
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