News Analysis: Early presidential vote crucial turning point for Yemen

SANAA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- Yemen is gearing up for an early presidential vote amid big challenges and calls to boycott the vote, which observers said will mark a crucial turning point and pave the way for a real change in the country.

Local observers argued that Yemen must change after the early presidential election, scheduled for Feb. 21, according to the West-backed GCC power transfer deal signed in November 2011, but that will take place gradually, not at once.

Mustafa Nasr, head of the studies and economic media center, said the situation in Yemen will change after the Feb. 21 polls because the political forces and all the Yemeni people are looking forward to a concrete change in the country.

"It is true there will not be a magical solution to tackle all problems immediately and forever, but at least the presidential vote will lay the groundwork for a new era in Yemen," he said.

Ahmed Ateeq, a political sociology professor at Sanaa University, said after the legitimacy of embattled President Ali Abdullah Saleh ends, Yemen will absolutely turn over a new leaf and will see real development and change.

"All signs indicate the political forces and the people will work hard to achieve stability and development after Feb. 21, as I believe Yemen's problems including chronic ones require a long time to overcome them," he continued.