Syrian Elections: Paving the Path for a Constitutional Amendment

Syrians voted for a new parliament, marking the country's fourth election since the civil war began in 2011. The election, limited to government-held areas, is expected to clear the way for extending President Bashar Assad's term. Western critics argue the process is neither free nor fair.

On Monday, Syrians cast their votes for a new parliament in an election anticipated to hold few surprises but potentially pave the way for an amendment to extend President Bashar Assad's term.

This vote, the fourth since the 2011 anti-government protests escalated into civil war, arrives amid an economic crisis that has sparked protests in the south. Notably, the election excludes rebel-held and Kurdish-controlled areas and does not include millions of diaspora Syrians.

Western nations and critics argue the elections in government-held regions are neither free nor fair. The 2024 parliamentary race has 1,516 candidates vying for 250 seats, with results expected soon. Meanwhile, Syria's ongoing economic turmoil, exacerbated by years of conflict, sanctions, and the pandemic, looms large over the elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)