Two killed in Yemen violence over presidential polls

Feb 4, 2012

Sana'a - Two people were killed and dozens injured in fighting in the southern Yemeni city of Aden between supporters and opponents of early presidential elections, reported the Yemeni website Mareb Press on Saturday.

The clashes began late Friday between members of the separatist Southern Movement and activists from the Islamists Islah Party who supports the election set for February 21, added the site, citing local sources.

The fighting started when the Islah activists staged a march to celebrate the first anniversary of a revolt against the regime of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The march angered the Southern Movement for being held in an area the separatists see as their stronghold.

Machine guns and rocks were used in the violence, according to the Mareb Press.

After 33 years in power, Saleh signed in November a United Nations-sponsored deal to step down in return for immunity from prosecution.

The parliament unanimously nominated Vice President Abd Rabbu Mansur Hadi as the sole presidential candidate for the polls.