Foreign Affairs

Monitoring Elections In Yemen

Emma led the European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) in Yemen. The European Union deployed observers in Yemen to monitor the presidential and municipal elections that were organized in September 2006. The European mission sought to ensure free, fair and democratic Yemeni election process. “This is an important election for Yemen’s movement forward, so we are present for the long term and not just for election day”, Emma noted. “This observation work is an important part of EU policy promoting human rights and democratization throughout the world,” she added.

Emma described the election as “an open and genuine political contest” and a “milestone in Yemen’s political history”. She added the presidential vote, which was accompanied by council elections, generally met international standards. However, Emma cited many instances where state resources were used in favor of the campaign of Saleh’s ruling General People’s Congress. She also noted “procedural irregularities” were observed in polling stations across the country, particularly within rural areas and in all-female voting stations.

Despite some irregularities and complaints from opposition parties, Yemen’s recent democratic elections have been hailed a success for the country and region. For the first time, Ali Abdullah Saleh, the country’s president of 28 years and winner of these recent elections, faced genuine competition.