General People's Congress (Yemen)

The General People's Congress (GPC) is a political party in Yemen. Founded in 1982 by then-President Ali Abdullah Saleh, it served as the ruling party of Yemen for the majority of the period between its inception and the Yemeni Civil War.

Originally conceived as a broad-based nationalist organization, the GPC’s structure enabled it to incorporate various societal elements, including tribal leaders, military figures, and businesspeople, effectively acting as a vehicle for consolidating Saleh's power.

Following the unification of Yemen in 1990, the GPC became a dominant force in Yemeni politics. It maintained this position through various elections, often amidst accusations of electoral fraud and manipulation.

During the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, Yemen experienced widespread protests against Saleh's long rule. The GPC was fractured by internal divisions as some members defected to the opposition. Saleh eventually stepped down in 2012 as part of a negotiated transition, with his vice president, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, taking over as president.

Even after Saleh's departure, the GPC remained a significant political player. However, it faced further challenges with the outbreak of the Yemeni Civil War in 2015. Ali Abdullah Saleh was killed in 2017 by Houthi rebels after a brief alliance between them collapsed. Since his death, the GPC has been deeply fragmented, with factions supporting different sides in the conflict. Some elements remain aligned with the internationally recognized government, while others have aligned with the Houthi movement or operate independently. The party's future and role in Yemeni politics remain uncertain given the ongoing conflict and political instability.