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 . The Yemeni people are not able to exercise more patience , he said , as they have already borne more than they can stand in the crisis . Demonstrators have continued their protests against Saleh , despite a power transfer deal that is supposed to lead to his departure . Under the plan forged by the Gulf Cooperation Council , Saleh -- who 's been in office for 33 years -- will step down after the February 21 elections and will receive immunity from prosecution . Executive powers have already been transferred to Hadi . The power transfer deal , signed in November , states that Saleh 's deputy would succeed him in power for a term of two years . However , Hadi insisted on running for election , saying his presidency is not official unless he is chosen by the people . The vice president stressed there will be no red lines when it comes to solving Yemen 's crises . Other priorities include stabilizing the country , and striving for a civil nation where rights and freedoms are recognized , he said . Hadi praised the demonstrators , most of whom are youths , saying they all along had hoped to see a new future for the country . In a move that surprised experts , Hadi did not mention Saleh in his speech . `` Hadi made it clear that the Saleh regime is over and he is seeking to be looked at as a president for a nation and not for a political party , '' said Abdul Salam Mohammed , director of the Sanaa-based Abaad Strategic Center . Saleh is currently seeking medical treatment in the United States for wounds he suffered in an assassination attempt in the presidential palace in June 2011 . A number of leading youth movements welcomed the elections and called them a step in the right direction for Yemen . But not all youths consider their revolution over yet . Activists were cautious in openly accepting Hadi as the country 's next ruler . `` Our main goal during our revolution is to oust Ali Saleh from power . This will be accomplished in two weeks , but his family is still in control of the country 's military , '' said Sanaa youth activist Mohammed Hashem . He added , `` Saleh 's corrupt inner circle are still allowed to be involved in politics , so we are long from calling it over . ''
President Ali Abdullah Saleh is set to step down after February 21 elections . Operations against ISIL have been ongoing since last January . Acting leader Ali Mansur Hadi promises to solve Yemen 's crises .