The NDC’s State-Building Working Group presented a final report on its first session activities to the full body of National Dialogue Conference (NDC) members on Wednesday.   

The report was a summary of the political parties’ visions of the structure; governance, administrative and voting systems; and judicial and legislative powers of Yemen’s future state.

Over the past two months, the group’s members conducted a preparatory analysis of all visions and presented alternatives to the country’s current government system.

During the NDC’s second session, the group plans to discuss all visions thoroughly to narrow down points and reach consensus decisions on the topics under discussion. 

The report further stated the group’s main goal was to develop a comprehensive vision with regard to the theme of state-building and with Yemen’s new constitution in mind.

Other goals in the report included the establishment of a knowledge database for the group’s members; an evaluation of Yemen’s current state structure; a presentation of political parties’ visions concerning state-building themed topics; enhanced community participation efforts; and for new solutions to be proposed in light of activity in the NDC’s first session.

Based on an analysis of the visions of all political parties represented at the NDC, a decentralized government was seen to represent the most desirable state structure for Yemen, and the best option for serving the social, economic and political needs of Yemen’s citizens.

Other forms of government were also treated in the report; a common theme, however, was the stated need for rule of law to be imposed if a truly democratic form of government were to exist in Yemen.

On the subject of Yemen’s electoral system, a number of flaws were described in the present system. The report stated that a new system must be put in place, one which serves to prevent powerful tribes and political elites from dominating Yemen’s political scene.

In order to boost the prospects for sustainable development and community involvement with government affairs, the report recommended both administrative and financial decentralization.

A bicameral legislative body was recommended, as was a completely independent judiciary unfettered by executive power. The report also stated that a high constitutional court had been recommended by party representatives.