The declaration of Yemeni Unity in 1990 was  considered by Yemeni academics and intellectuals to be the first corner stone for democratic practices. However, 18 years later the country has only taken baby steps in achieving its democratic goals, as it has not yet reached international democratic standers.

Meanwhile, others look at Yemen with admiration being one of the only countries in the region that has adopted the democratic path.

Sociologist and Sana'a University Professor Dr. Faud Al-Salahi says that the turning point of democracy depends on widening the margin of  freedom, adding that one way to do so is giving citizens the power to vote and choose their governors, which is being practiced in some way in Yemen now.

Al-Salahi considered the move to be a real chance to give power to the people and it could help reinforce democratic practices, hinting that a civilized government should meet three requirements: an institutionalized government, a democratic government and no tribal influence. “I hoped that Yemen’s democratic experience could see improvement over the few years to come.”

Al-Salahi assured that women's participation in the democratic life is necessary and further assured that woman must be an active member in the modern country. He blamed the political elite for excluding women.

Vice-dean of Faculty of Arts for Higher Studies at Sana'a University Dr. Hassan Al-Kuhlani indicated that Yemen has political multiparty and social organizations built on justice and freedom. He added that there is a move to establish a complete system inside the civil society.

Al-Kuhlani further pointed out that democracy in Yemen is noticeable and it exists as a social heritage for Yemeni people rather than a new practice for them to get used to. He maintained that democracy means accepting the other's opinions.

He referred to the type of dialogue that was dominant before Yemen's reunification and how brothers were fighting one another, hinting that today is different from the past.

For his part, Professor of Political Sciences and Dean of Mass Media Faculty Dr. Mohamed Abdul Jabbar Sallam assured that Yemen has made noticeable democratic progress and none can overlook it.

Sallam stressed that this progress is evidenced by wide international admiration of Yemen's democratic experience, especially when the country witnessed local, parliamentary and presidential elections, considering it to be a unique event in the region.

He continued that press freedom is guaranteed and strong in Yemen as over 300 newspapers are licensed, with wide-ranging interests and backgrounds: private, independent, partisan and official.

For him, Yemeni political parties enjoy more rights and exceeds what is stated in the constitution and effective laws. Instead, these parties call for strikes and protests.

On the other hand, Head of Political Sciences Department at Sana'a University Dr. Mohamed Al-Dahiri remarked that government's political wish is still shackled. He also criticized those who are advisers to corrupt officials as they do not revolt against them.

Al-Dahiri added that President Saleh depends in his rule on less powerful and unknowledgeable people than on intellectuals and smart people who could lead the country to modernization. He assured that the political wish is paralyzed while in the meantime, Saleh still has a chance to carry out his pledges to people made during his electoral platform.

Al-Dahiri further indicated that the Yemeni government always tries not to shoulder the responsibility of everything happening nationwide as it tries to blame what is going wrong on opposition parties. “Politicians have to accept oppositions having the right to criticize the failure of the ruling party in order to be the alternative for them,” he said.

Professor and Sociologist at Sana'a University Dr. Adel Al-Shargabi observed that it is necessary that civil society have a stronger voice as this could put a limit to the government's tyranny.

Journalist Rashad Al-Sharabi assured that a democratic society must be accompanied by free media, adding media must not be under governments' hold as this will help it render clear and accurate messages to people.

Democracy in Yemen is still far behind international standards. The government currently doesn't allow foreign organizations to visit  all prisons or inspect them on a regular basis; thus, government treats prisoners in a manner it sees appropriate. Only recently were human rights organizations, parliament members, and non-governmental organization given limited permission to enter such prisons.

Member of Parliament Shawqi Al-Qadhi stated that prisoners' condition is dangerous especially under corruption, which is rampant in all state institutions, hinting the weak role of the Yemeni parliament leads some officials in the government to practice corruption everywhere including prisons.