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Voting was held only in government-controlled territories and the United States (US) and European Union (EU) said the elections were neither free nor fair.
“These fraudulent elections do not represent any progress towards a political solution,” the US and EU said in a joint statement. Also read: Russia Accused of Using Israeli Technology to Save Assad
Assad and his wife, Asma, cast their votes on the outskirts of Douma, the main rebel stronghold before it was recaptured by government forces in 2018.
After voting, Assad commented on US and EU criticism. He stated that his second opinion had no value. that their second opinion has no value. Also read: The appearance of a Russian long-range bomber when he first landed in Syria
“I condemn criticism from Western countries, most of which have a deep colonial history. As a country, we do not accept this behavior,” said Assad, as reported by Al Arabiya on Thursday (27/5/2021).
The vote is the second since the start of the decade-long civil war, which has killed more than 388,000 people and displaced half of the pre-war population.
With political opponents outside the country barred from advancing and no voting in most areas outside government control, Assad faces two nearly unknown challengers.
(ian)
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