Written by Chrisella Sagers, Managing Editor | 22 February 2012

Yemen began a remarkable transition yesterday, voting out now-former President Ali Abdullah Saleh. For over a year, Yemenis have filled the streets, protesting against the rule of Saleh and calling for him to follow in the wake of fellow authoritarian governments in Egypt and Tunisia by leaving office.

Some feared the protests would descend into intractable violence, as it has in Syria, after Saleh was badly injured in a rocket attack. When he returned to Yemen after treatment in Saudi Arabia, many feared it meant he would never leave office willingly.

In order to prevent an escalation of violence, the Gulf Cooperation Council stepped in, leading months of negotiations for a peaceful transfer of power. These months were a roller coaster of uncertainty, as Saleh would appear to agree to a deal, then reject it, and loudly proclaim his right to personally veto any deal at any time.

Finally, in January, a deal was approved. Saleh would agree to step down and transfer power to Major General Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, his vice-president, in return for immunity against prosecution of crimes committed against his people. Shortly after the deal was approved by Yemen's parliament, Saleh fled Yemen for the United States to receive medical treatment. Reports indicate he is currently in California.

The turnout at the polls yesterday marked the end of Saleh's 33 years in power, as well as the culmination of one of the Arab Spring's longest and most sustained movements.

Photo: Yahya Arhab/EPA