Yemenis vote amid clashes

Some 60,000 soldiers were deployed at polling stations

Violence marred nationwide polling on Tuesday in Yemen's first local elections since the North and South re-unified 11 years ago.

We accept any result in the local council elections or the referendum. We respect the will of the voters and the views of those who vote 'no' on the amendments

Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh

Gunfire and an explosion left at least one person dead and more than 20 people wounded, according to reports.

Armed clashes broke out in two districts between supporters of the Islamic opposition Islah party and backers of President Ali Abdullah Saleh's ruling General People's Congress.

Security was tight after more than 20 people were killed during the run-up to the election.

Constitutional changes

Some 5.6 million voters are eligible to choose local councillors among some 23,000 candidates, competing for more than 7,000 seats on local councils of provinces and directorates.

President Saleh is looking to extend his term in office

Those appointed councillors will then have a say in drafting development plans and putting local laws into practice.

Yemenis are also asked to vote on constitutional amendments to extend the president's term in office and give law-making powers to a council of advisers he appoints.

Members of parliament would also have their terms extended from four to six years.

Criticism

Both the local elections and the constitutional changes have been attacked by critics and human rights groups.

They say they are just means to consolidate the ruling party's hold on power.

Yemeni polling station workers melt wax over a sealed ballot

President Saleh voted in the morning and said afterwards that the government would accept the outcome.

Some opposition parties are boycotting the elections, claiming harassment and vote-rigging by the government.

The BBC correspondent in the Middle East, Frank Gardner says the constitutional changes have aroused deep suspicions among opposition parties.

But he adds that in a region where democracy is in its infancy, Yemenis have more say in their government than their neighbours in Saudi Arabia.