Assad Assured Another Term as Syrians Vote Amid Civil War

By Donna Abu-Nasr Jun 3, 2014 11:56 AM ET

Syrians in government-controlled areas are going to the polls today in an election that’s set to give President Bashar al-Assad new impetus to suppress rebels fighting against him in a three-year civil war.

Some voters pricked their fingers and squeezed blood onto the circle under Assad’s picture to declare publicly their backing for the president.

“This drop of blood is a salute to the president,” Hoda Saqr, 42, said by telephone. “With his wise leadership, the country was able to withstand the attack against it.”

For the first time in at least four decades, the ballot includes more than one candidate. While the government has highlighted the development as proof it is moving toward more democracy, the two challengers have steered clear of criticizing Assad or holding him responsible for a war that the U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says has killed more than 162,000 people and displaced millions more.

The election comes nine months after Assad avoided a U.S. military strike by agreeing to give up his chemical arsenal and almost four months after talks mediated by the United Nations failed to produce even an agreement on an agenda. The government delegation refused to discuss the formation of a transitional government, as stipulated in a 2012 accord.

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http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-06-02/assad-assured-another-term-as-syrians-vote-while-civil-war-rages.html