[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E897]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN YEMEN

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                          HON. LEE H. HAMILTON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I want to draw the attention of my 
colleagues to the recent parliamentary elections in Yemen. The Congress 
doesn't often pay attention to Yemen, but what transpired there on 
April 27 was impressive. In a country that recently experienced civil 
war, that is one of the poorest countries on Earth, and that is in a 
part of the world where elections are not the norm, Yemen's electoral 
experience is worth noting.
  On the spectrum of elections in the Arab world, these elections were 
perhaps the most positive outcome ever. The elections were competitive, 
they were open to all adult men and women, and political parties had 
the opportunity to get their message out.
  What is particularly impressive is the commitment of the people of 
Yemen to the electoral process. Three separate national networks of 
independent election monitors watched ballot boxes throughout the 
country. In a country of high illiteracy, especially female illiteracy, 
the Arab Democratic Institute and other nongovernmental organizations 
worked hard to increase voter turnout, especially among rural women. 
The participation of women, 30 percent was low, but it was 
significantly higher than the level in the 1993 parliamentary 
elections, 19 percent.
  The elections were not without flaws--there were some ballot box 
irregularities, there was too much military presence at voting places, 
there was some violence, and the elections did not fundamentally alter 
political power in Yemen, which remains in the hands of President 
Saleh.
  The true test of the elections in Yemen depends on what happens 
next--whether the new Parliament will take up its responsibility to 
serve as an effective check on executive power, and whether the 
Parliament will work to improve life in Yemen.
  I believe that it is in the United States national interest to 
support the development of a civil society in Yemen, and to enhance the 
effectiveness of Yemen's Parliament--not only because of the positive 
benefits for the people of Yemen but because of the importance of this 
example and experience for the entire Arab world.

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