Parliament voted to start the procedure for constitutional amendments at a time when the opposition continues to protest outside the parliament building. According to sources within the parliament, 160 members of the ruling party voted for the amendments.
A committee was formed, headed by the deputy head of parliament Sheikh Himyar Al-Ahmar, to finalize the details of the amendments, therefore, preparing it for final approval within 60 days.
A ruling party MP talked to Yemen Post and said, “Most likely within 60 days the amendments will be passed, and Yemen will enter a new phase of positive change.”
He however mentioned that because of international pressure, the government decided to discuss amendments for 60 days instead of approving them directly, therefore, giving more time for the opposition to reach an agreement with the ruling party. “We are not delaying the amendments, but discussing the specifics, so that when we vote, the amendments are clear and ready.”
The amendments will give Saleh a chance to rule for life as the two presidential term condition will be deleted from the constitution. On the other hand, ruling party officials claim that reducing the number of years for each term in presidency from seven years to five is a right step in Yemen’s reform strategy.
An opposition MP called the current amendments a coup on the Yemeni revolution and called on the people to stand against the oppression of the ruling party. “The ruling party will enter the country to a dark tunnel where it would be difficult to exit.”
“We will continue protesting and boycotting parliament session for the sake of reforms and the country.”
The opposition Joint Meeting Parties refused the parliament decision and said that such practices will only give Yemen more problems, adding that this strategy will be used to make Saleh the President of Yemen as long as he lives.