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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Elroy who wrote (228226)	4/23/2007 2:58:43 AM
From: Elroy	Respond to of 281500

Widespread apathy as Syria goes to polls Agencies gulfnews.com Damascus, Syria: Syrians across the country began voting for a new parliament Sunday in elections that few expected would do much more than further consolidate the regime's power. The campaign slogans posted on buildings, trees and buses across the capital promise reform, transparency and prosperity, but there was lack of enthusiasm and some criticism - even in Syria's official newspapers - of the candidates' lack of detailed political programs. Turnout is expected to be low, a tradition in Syria, where parliament has no major say in policy-making. Voting will continue Monday, and results are not expected before Wednesday. The ruling Baath Party and the National Progressive Front - a cluster of nine small parties allied with it - are assured of certain victory, regardless of the turnout in the election. The remaining seats will be filled by candidates running independently, but their candidacy must be preapproved by the government. In a speech broadcast by Syrian Television Saturday night, Interior Minister Bassam Abdel-Majid urged people to "exercise their electoral right" by choosing the most qualified candidates. The elections, held every four years, come at a time when Syria is seeking to overcome its international isolation.