Yemen's Brotherhood obstructing return of local councils

The branch of the Muslim Brotherhood in Yemen rejects the return of the country's local councils' system.

For many years in the past, the system formed a unique political experience in the country, when it came to local administration and development.

Islah Party, the political arm of the Brotherhood in Yemen, announced its rejection of the system.

This came after directives were given the governor of the western city of Taiz, Nabil Shamsan, to invite members of the administrative body of the local councils to meet.

The directives were given by the Yemeni prime minister.

However, the Brotherhood obstructed the implementation of this step, justifying its position by saying that the directives would reproduce the symbols of the former regime.

Local councils

Under the late Yemeni president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, the local councils made great progress in agricultural and service projects.

The councils enjoyed wonderful experience, which was why they were sponsored by the government which considered them a sound step for the establishment of democracy in Yemen.

Each of the local councils in each province used to be made up of 15 members, including the chairman of the council.

The directors of the provinces also used to have presence in the councils, according to Law No. 4/2000.

The system of local councils is in force in the liberated provinces, with the exception of Taiz and Marib, which are still under Brotherhood control.

Before the unity of northern and southern Yemen, the councils used to be called 'Local Councils for Co-operative Development'.

In southern Yemen, the councils used to be called 'People's Councils' and 'Municipal Councils'.

Roots of Brotherhood rejection

Yemeni journalist Nabil Salah, editor-in-chief of the website Capital Online, said the local councils have been abolished since the Houthi coup in September 2014.

"A large number of the local councils, most notably in Taiz, have members who support the Houthis," Salah told The Reference.

He said these members had supported the Houthi coup.

"The councils will pose dangers to political leaders in the different provinces," Salah said.