Tajammu al-Yamani li’l-Islah, al-
Definition
Tajammu al-Yamani li’l-Islah (Arabic: التجمع اليمني للإصلاح; Turkish: Yemen İnancı Reform Cemiyeti) or Islah is a political party founded in Yemen in 1990. It emerged from an alliance between ideologues of the Muslim Brotherhood and members of the Hashid tribal confederation. As one of the most significant opposition parties to the country’s ruling People’s General Congress, Islah has played a crucial role in Yemen’s political landscape.
Etymology
- Arabic: الرسلاف اليمني للتجمع (al-Tajammu al-Yamani li’l-Islah)
- Turkish: Yemen İnancı Reform Cemiyeti
Historical Background
The party was established shortly after the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990. The merger of Muslim Brotherhood ideologues and tribal leaders aimed to create a formidable political force capable of challenging the ruling party. In the first multiparty elections following this unification in 1993, Islah secured 62 out of 301 seats in the Yemeni Parliament.
Political Evolution
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1993 Parliamentary Elections: Islah gained 62 seats, becoming the second most powerful party. Shaykh Abdallah Ben Hussein al-Ahmar, the party’s leader, was elected speaker of the parliament, significantly enhancing the party’s political influence. During this period, Islah also contributed nine ministers to a coalition government.
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1997 Parliamentary Elections: Although the number of parliamentary seats won by Islah dropped to 54, the party continued to wield considerable influence by choosing to withdraw from the government formally while still supporting President Ali Abdullah Saleh in the presidential elections held in September 1999.
Key Political Figures
- Shaykh Abdallah Ben Hussein al-Ahmar: Leader of Islah and speaker of the parliament post-1993 elections.
Recommended Books for Further Study
- “Islamic Ideology in Yemen: The Political Evolution of the Islah Party” by Charles Schenker.
- “Yemen’s Democratic Experiment” by Sheila Carapico.
- “Tribes and Politics in Yemen” by Marieke Brandt.
Takeaways
- Founding and Influence: The Islah party was founded through a strategic alliance between the Muslim Brotherhood and the Hashid tribes, exemplifying the merging of ideological and tribal influences.
- Political Landscape: Despite fluctuations in parliamentary representation from the 1993 to the 1997 elections, Islah has maintained a significant role in Yemen’s political arena.
- Change and Continuity: By supporting presidential candidates and remaining politically active, Islah showcases the fluid dynamics of coalition politics in Yemen.
Conclusion
The Yemeni Society for Reform, or Islah, stands as a pivotal player in Yemen’s tumultuous political history, from its founding days post-unification to its roles in various parliamentary and presidential elections. Understanding Islah provides crucial insights into the broader political and tribal dynamics that shape Yemeni society and governance.
