Yemen's President Ali Abdullah Saleh, in New York for medical treatment after agreeing to step down following months of protests, will return to vote in presidential polls, a member of his party and state media said Wednesday, February 8.

State news agency Saba reported on Tuesday that Saleh had told visitors he would "participate" in the election on February 21, in which Vice President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi is the sole candidate.

U.S. officials had said Saleh would not return to Yemen until after the referendum-like election, stipulated by a Gulf plan to confirm Hadi as a president for a two-year term.

On November 23, Saleh signed a Gulf initiative after months of stalling, handing over power to Hadi to implement the plan and organise an early election within 90 days.

He remains honorary president until Hadi is elected.