The Al-Rashad Union (الاتحاد الرشاد) is the first Salafi political party founded in Yemen. Established in March 2012, it was officially recognized by the National Unity Government on 24 July 2012 under the patronage of the Gulf Cooperation Council and in the framework of the agreement between President Ali Abdullah Saleh and the opposition. The party aims to express a conservative Islamic voice in the country and seeks the establishment of the Shariah. Al-Rashad is also committed to democracy and to the protection of the Yemeni citizens’ rights.