Syrians vote in first local elections since start of civil war

Syrians in government-controlled areas cast their ballots yesterday in the first local elections since 2011, the year of the uprising against President Bashar Al Assad that led to civil war.

Since then, the conflict has killed more than 360,000 people, forced millions to flee – many as refugees – and left the economy in tatters.

Now, Syrian troops are back in control of about two thirds of the country after a series of victories, most recently around Damascus and in southern Syria.

Yesterday, polling booths opened at 7am local time in government-held parts of the country for a period of 12 hours, with a potential fivehour extension, depending on turn-out, state news agency Sana said.

More than 40,000 candidates contested 18,478 seats on local councils.

In Damascus, election posters dominated by images of incumbents were plastered across public squares, including in the Old City.

Mohammad Kabbadi, 42, a government employee, voted in the Bab Sharqi district of the capital for a candidate from his neighbourhood.

“I know exactly who I am going to vote for – he’s young, active, and his victory will bring good things to residents of this area,” Mr Kabbadi said.

More than 40,000 candidates contested 18,478 seats

There appeared to be fewer people heading to the polls than in previous elections. However, Syrian state television broadcast footage of voters around Damascus and in the coastal government bastions of Tartus and Latakia.

Voters dropped their ballots into plastic boxes as election officials looked on.

The channel also showed images of voting in Deir Ezzor, the eastern city recaptured last year by Syrian troops after battles against ISIS.

No voting took place in areas outside government control, including Kurdish-held parts of the north-east and the largest rebel territory in north-west Idlib province, home to about three million people.

Syrian troops have massed around Idlib for weeks, although an expected assault appears to be on hold as regime ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey try to hash out a deal on Idlib.

Most local election candidates are members of or affiliated to the ruling Baath party. This deterred some people from casting their ballot.

“Why vote? Will anything change? Let’s be honest,” said Humam, 38, who stayed at home. “Everyone knows the results are sealed in advance for a single party, whose members will win in a process that’s closer to an appointment than it is to an election.”