Wide Debate Between Opposition and Ruling Party Over Constitutional Amendments

Political Systems under Democracy Conference wrapped up its meetings and addressed many sensitive political issues including constitutional amendments, President Saleh's call to Joint Meeting Parties (JMP) and other opposition parties to have dialogue over these amendments as well as amending the ruling system in Yemen.

Several academics and specialists presented papers reviewing the different ruling systems (presidential, parliamentary) and their affects on the public life especially in Yemen under a tribal society.

The papers also addressed the authorities allowed to the president and those granted to the legislative authority under a parliamentarian system.

The conference's second session witnessed a wide debate following the paper that addresses the ruling party's, General People Congress (GPC), vision of the political system presented by the party's Political Circle Head Abdullah Ghanim. The same thing applies to the JMP's paper presented by Ali Al-Sarari. His paper addressed the issue of authority's source and whether this authority is centralized or decentralized.

Ghanim noted that Saleh suggested general outlines for wide amendments focusing on changing the current ruling system together with adopting local governance with wide authorities to minimize state's centralized hold. He also calls for bicameral legislation including both parliament and Shoura with the latter's members elected uncontested from all provinces.

He hinted that other amendments include reducing the president's term to four years together with allowing women 15 percent of seats in local and parliamentary elections through adding articles to elections law, hinting these amendments will be polled during 2009 parliamentary elections.

In return, Al-Sarari assured that JMP earlier presented a proposal for reforming the existing political system and GPC rejected its discussion, stressing they were surprised later by President Saleh's initiative for making amendments and calling opposition parties for dialogue.

He hinted President Saleh's call meant something else and this is what prompted them to reject it. However, he expressed their readiness to discuss the initiative and to put forward the alternatives meant for achieving real political reforms in Yemen.

Moreover, Al-Sarari said they are for a parliamentary system as it could help solve the existing problems the country faces and it also guarantees a peaceful transfer of power, stressing that the country lacks in institutions like parliament, government and judicial authority because their existence is formal.

He added that women representation in parliament and local council should be made according to the agreement of principles signed between JMP and GPC.

Head of Media Circle at GPC Tariq Al-Shami emphasized that JMP has no clear vision as for the political system and constitutional amendments, maintaining these amendments are part of President Saleh's electoral platform and not forced by any foreign parties.

Al-Shami went on to say that Saleh's initiative is an advanced move that transpose the visions of parties, maintaining his party give special attention to women.

Head of opposition Islah Party's bloc at parliament Abdul Rahman Bafadhl warned GPC against any single decisions particularly with forming the Supreme Commission for Elections and Referendum, stressing there should be reconciling visions about this issue and several others.