Celebrating three and a half decades of shaping Yemen's political landscape, Al-Islah Party marks a significant milestone.
Founded in 1990, coinciding with Yemen's unity declaration on May 22nd, Al-Islah has been a driving force behind Yemen's democratic transition...
*A Comprehensive History*
Ali Al-Jaradi, Head of Al-Islah's Media Department, elaborated on the party's journey:
"Al-Islah's core principles remain unchanged – defending Yemen's unity, republican system, democratic values, political pluralism, and public freedoms.
Our party participated actively in Yemen's early democratic experiments, including the 1993 parliamentary elections, where we secured the second-largest number of seats."
Al-Jaradi continued, "Despite winning the second-largest number of seats, Al-Islah made significant concessions to the Socialist Party in Council of Presidency and government positions, supporting the nascent democratic experience."
He added, "Al-Islah later participated in coalition governments, then opted for opposition, forming the 'Joint Meeting Parties' alliance with other national parties to counter the ruling party's dominance and threats to democracy."
*Challenges and Sacrifices*
Al-Jaradi discussed Al-Islah's stance on Arab intervention following the Houthi coup:
"In March 2015, Saudi Arabia launched 'Operation Decisive Storm' to prevent Iran and its Houthi proxy from seizing Yemen. Al-Islah supported this intervention at President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi's request."
He revealed, "Al-Islah paid a heavy price for this stance – thousands of our members remain martyred, detained, wounded, or displaced, with our public institutions and members' properties seized."
Al-Jaradi affirmed, "Our commitment to Yemen's republic, freedom, dignity, and equal citizenship remains unwavering – we will continue sacrificing for these values until all Houthi-controlled territories are liberated.
Intellectual Foundation and National Identity*
Ali Al-Jaradi concluded his statement:
"Al-Islah's intellectual and political nurturing has cultivated a genuinely national consciousness among its members – rejecting narrow loyalties, regional biases, and sectarianism.
Our culture belongs to greater Yemen, its republic, and national identity – defending these values against clerical and fragmentation projects."
*A Political Journey*
Dr. Ahmed Halah, Acting Head of Al-Islah's Political Department, shared his insights:
"Al-Islah's history is intertwined with Yemen's political life. Founded in 1990 with Yemen's unity declaration, our party emerged as a significant political force in the 1993 parliamentary elections, securing the second-largest number of seats."
He explained, "Despite popular support, Al-Islah opted for symbolic participation in power, demonstrating political effectiveness and influence."
Dr. Halah highlighted a turning point in 1997 elections:
"Results were manipulated, and seats won by Al-Islah candidates were seized – prompting our party to move into opposition despite former President Ali Abdullah Saleh's offers to share government power."
*Coalitions and Democratic Struggles*
Dr. Halah continued, "Al-Islah later nominated President Saleh for re-election in 1999, then collaborated with other parties to form the 'Joint Meeting Parties' alliance – a unique regional political cooperation model breaking ideological barriers."
Regarding Yemen's 2011 revolution, Dr. Halah stated:
"This uprising resulted from accumulated political tensions – Al-Islah supported the revolution alongside other Joint Meeting Parties members, driven by security forces' brutal suppression of protesters."