A general took power in Yemen as the sole candidate in a presidential election after a year-long uprising that ousted long-serving ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh but left the poor Arab country still teetering on the brink of chaos, The New York Times reported.

The election confirms Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who served as Saleh's vice president and close confidant, as president. He is tasked with implementing a power-sharing deal with Saleh's political opponents under an agreement negotiated to remove Saleh after 33 years in power.

Yemen's uprising was one of the bloodiest of the revolts that have swept across North Africa and the Middle East. Saleh becomes the fourth Arab autocrat toppled in the wave of unrest that began in Tunisia more than a year ago. His sons and nephews retain command of powerful military units and security agencies.

In a reminder of the daunting task his successor faces holding Yemen together, at least nine people were killed in election-related violence that cut voting short in southern Yemen, where separatists demanded an election boycott.

"Elections are the only exit route from the crisis which has buffeted Yemen for the past year," Hadi said after voting.