Following the victory of the incumbent president of Yemen, ‘Ali ‘Abdallah ‘Salih, in the presidential election, Yemen has asked the international community to help it fight terrorism. Yemen became the United States’ ally in its war on terror, but is considered a stronghold of terrorists affiliated with Al-Qa’ida.
‘Salih is nevertheless promising his people that economic, educational and cultural reforms will be among his priorities in his next term in office.
Approximately five million votes were registered in 6,000 ballot boxes across Yemen. Initial results indicate that ‘Salih, who has been president of Yemen for the past 27 years, won about 80 percent of the votes. ‘Salih’s strongest opponent was Fei’sal Bin Shamlan, who won almost all the remaining votes.
Eighty-nine thousand soldiers were spread across the country to ensure the safety of the voters. Nevertheless, security sources said, at least three men were killed during the day in two separate incidents. Two were killed in a gun battle in Ta’iz District between supporters of ‘Salih and supporters of the opposition. In the second gunfight, one man was killed and three were wounded. Another person was reportedly kidnapped, according to the Arab language daily Al-‘Arab.
"This democratic celebration will strengthen the future of Yemen," ‘Salih told reporters yesterday, adding that "the true winners in these elections are the Yemeni people."
Supporters of Bin Shamlan reported that there were 30 instances of voting irregularities. In some cases observers were forced to leave their stations, and voters were forced to vote for ‘Salih, according to a report on the Al-Jazeera website.
The final results are due in a week.