The National Dialogue Conference is the first step of the second phase in Yemen’s transitional political process, as stipulated in the Gulf Cooperation Council Initiative’s implementation mechanism, signed in November 2011. The conference will be followed by a drafting of the constitution, a new electoral law and general elections.

565 members to represent 25  million Yemenis*

Start date: March 18  

Expected duration: 6 months   

 $23.18 million dollar budget, 50 percent provided by international community   

Consensus percentage needed to reach a decision: 90 percent 

 9 working groups

 60,000 soldiers deployed to ensure the conference’s security including 200 women

11 major political parties and entities to participate

Projected elections, following the conference: February 24, 2014

 16 months since the signing of the GCC Initiative, on November 23, 2011

*Figure based on estimates from the World Bank in 2011