Yemeni democracy activists requested President Ali Abdullah Saleh yesterday to honor his pledge not to stand in next yearâs presidential vote. In an appeal memo announced yesterday, the activists called on Saleh to ignore calls from his General Peopleâs Congress (GPC) party to retract his position. The message urged Saleh to âpush ahead in strengthening democracy and demonstrate the peaceful transfer of power to be recognized as one of the worldâs greatest personalities.â Saleh had declared publicly in July 2005 that he would not stand in the presidential election next year. He said his motives were to encourage other younger potential candidates to take charge and to set an example in being the first-ever Arab leader who steps down voluntarily, allowing a peaceful and democratic transfer of power to take place in his lifetime.
Analysts believe that Saleh had changed his mind and decided to run for another 7-year term in office, particularly after his party insisted on nominating him to run in the elections on its behalf. Saleh requested from his party to hold an extraordinary conference to announce its candidate. A victory in the elections for Saleh, who has remained in power for 27 years, would give him a total of 35 years, making him as one of the current longest serving presidents in the world.