The Iran-backed Houthi militias in Yemen are planning to hold elections in the coming weeks to fill seats that have been left vacant after the death of deputies and when others fled to join the legitimate government, informed sources in Aden told Asharq Al-Awsat Sunday. Houthis have also kicked off extensive contacts with leaderships residing outside Yemen, pledging them to come back to Sanaa in return for significant posts and financial rewards. Currently, the militias seem to have lost quorum in parliament after most MPs escaped to areas controlled by the legitimate government. Their plan to hold by-elections coincides with government preparations to hold a parliament session in the temporary capital, Aden. It was able to secure the necessary quorum of 140 lawmakers from different parties and blocs to hold the session. Parliament is composed of 301 members who are elected to a six-year term. Twenty-six of these deputies have passed away since the last elections were held in the country. Sources said that Houthis are planning, through an electoral committee with newly appointed members, to hold the by-elections in areas under their control. They are also seeking to replace deputies whom the militias accuse of “treason” after they escaped Houthi-held Sanaa and joined the legitimate government. In the same context, Yemeni political sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that a number of Houthis leaders in Sanaa were holding direct and indirect contacts with leaders loyal to the legitimacy with an aim to break up the internationally-recognized government.