Yemenis elect their president today

Some 5.6 million Yemenis head today to the balloting centers to elect a president for their country in election, in which it seems that the election of current President Ali Abdullah Saleh is very likely, due to the popularity and backing he enjoys in all parts of Yemen.

Saleh's opponent is Najib Kahtan El-Shaabi, who belongs to Saleh's General People's Conference party and serves as a parliament member.

On this occasion, the higher committee for elections released a statement in which it called on the voters to practice their constitutional role according to legal and constitutional measures.

The committee stressed its confidence that all the people of Yemen will be on top of their national responsibilities in this respect.

The statement urged all election committees to redouble their efforts to make these elections proceed smoothly and accurately.

Life in Sanaa seemed quiet on the eve of the election, except for intensive police patrols within the campaign to prevent carrying of arms, in which policemen and soliders participated.