Sanaa, Yemen (CNN) -- Yemeni Vice President Abdurabu Mansur Hadi kicked off his presidential campaign Tuesday, announcing he will run in the February 21 election. In a large gathering with hundreds of senior government officials representing all political factions, Hadi said he is seeking a new direction for Yemen. The nation has been wracked by unrest, including protests against current President Ali Abdullah Saleh, since early last year, when pro-democratic uprisings spread across the Arab world. Hadi promised Tuesday a national dialogue involving all political forces would happen immediately after he takes power, saying that will serve as an oasis for effective dialogue based on openness, equity and mutual respect.
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President Ali Abdullah Saleh is set to step down after February 21 elections
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Protests against Saleh have been ongoing since last year
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Acting leader Abdurabu Mansur Hadi promises to solve Yemen's crises
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A number of leading youth movements welcomed the elections and called them a step in the right direction for @placeholder.