Yemen: parliament majority approves extension of presidential term

With a greater majority, the Yemeni parliament approved the draft of constitutional amendments submitted by President Ali Abdullah Saleh to the parliament. It states to amend article 14 of the constitution and to extend the presidential term of office to seven years and the parliament to six years.

This step came after a vast controversy between the rule and the opposition parties which opposed the amendments. It also followed government's accusations.

Parliamentary circles reported that the constitutional amendments which were approved on Sunday following discussions lasted for weeks will be submitted to the elections higher committee in preparations for a people's referendum for its approval within two or three months as a final date. Some 276 parliament members voiced in favor of backing these amendments out of 284, seven opposed only one abstained from voting.