Syrians took to the polls in a parliamentary election that could potentially extend President Bashar Assad’s term, with little surprise expected in the results. The election marks the fourth since the civil war began in 2011, with 1,516 candidates vying for seats in the 250-seat People’s Assembly.
Despite the ongoing conflict, 8,151 polling stations were set up in government-held areas, with anti-government protests in some regions calling for a boycott. The campaigning was low key, focusing on general slogans like national unity and prosperity.
Analysts believe that the outcome is largely predetermined, as the Baath Party’s dominance in previous elections is expected to continue, potentially paving the way for a constitutional amendment to extend Assad’s term. With the majority of candidates already aligned with the ruling party, the prospect of real opposition is slim.
As Assad faces term limits, the new parliament may seek to pass a constitutional amendment to keep him in power beyond 2028. Despite the facade of democracy, the election highlights the entrenched power dynamics within Syria’s political landscape.
\
[ad_2]
Source link
