Telecommunications provider Emmatel posts a message of support for Bashar Al Assad ahead of elections in Al Qusour roundabout, Damascus.
Telecommunications provider Emmatel posts a message of support for Bashar Al Assad ahead of elections in Al Qusour roundabout, Damascus.
Presidential hopeful Mahmoud Merei in his office in Damascus.
Presidential hopeful Mahmoud Merei in his office in Damascus.
Another Syrian telecommunications provider MTN says 'Our hand with yours' with Assad's portrait.
Another Syrian telecommunications provider MTN says 'Our hand with yours' with Assad's portrait.
A banner in Bagdad street reads 'Assad in my veins'.
A banner in Bagdad street reads 'Assad in my veins'.

MENA

Syria’s election is a party for Assad but opposition head says he has a shot

Mahmoud Marei has been called a government stand-in but he insists he can change Syria from within

Danny Makki

May 26, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

In the sea of posters for President Bashar Al Assad on the walls of Damascus streets ahead of Wednesday's election was a solitary billboard for Mahmoud Marei, a man who says he has a real chance of unseating the incumbent and ending a five-decade dynasty.

The last two weeks have been more of a celebration than an election

Mr Marei's campaign has been low-key by any standard but it was dwarfed by the pervasive Baath party operation led by the Al Assad family in the run-up to an election that western governments say is certainly rigged and little more than a pledge of loyalty to the embattled Syrian leader.

But the former Syrian jail inmate and member of the UN-sponsored peace talks in Geneva insists that he is the leader of the first viable opposition to contest the presidential election in a country with little free speech.

"For the first time the domestic opposition participates in the elections and has a manifesto," he told The National from his near-empty campaign headquarters on bustling Arnous Square in central Damascus in the final days of the campaign.

The president’s critics in exile brand men like Mr Marei as fake stand-ins for a real opposition and an extension of the regime. He counters by saying his credibility stems from the fact that he is speaking from within Mr Assad’s Syria.

“The real opposition knows who I am, I was a political detainee for six years, I've been banned from travelling in Syria for five years. I have been an opponent of the regime for 45 years, I’ve been through prison and jail cells, I even spent time in solitary confinement,” he said.

Supporters of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad hold up national flags at an election gathering at Umayyad Square, in the capital Damascus, on Sunday, May 23. AP Photo
Supporters of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad hold up national flags at an election gathering at Umayyad Square, in the capital Damascus, on Sunday, May 23. AP Photo
A supporter of President Bashar Al Assad prepares to release hundreds of balloons in the colours of the Syrian flag, at Umayyad Square, Damascus. Presidential elections are being held on Wednesday. AP Photo
A supporter of President Bashar Al Assad prepares to release hundreds of balloons in the colours of the Syrian flag, at Umayyad Square, Damascus. Presidential elections are being held on Wednesday. AP Photo
Holding flags and pictures of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, supporters rally at Umayyad Square. Wednesday's poll is the second since Syria's civil war began in 2011. AP Photo
Holding flags and pictures of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, supporters rally at Umayyad Square. Wednesday's poll is the second since Syria's civil war began in 2011. AP Photo
Balloons in the colours of the Syrian flag are released at Umayyad Square. The Assad family has ruled Syria for more than 50 years, including 21 with Bashar Al Assad as president. AP Photo
Balloons in the colours of the Syrian flag are released at Umayyad Square. The Assad family has ruled Syria for more than 50 years, including 21 with Bashar Al Assad as president. AP Photo
A supporter of Bashar Al Assad holds up a picture of the Syrian president with the slogan 'Assad is the hope', at Umayyad Square. AP Photo
A supporter of Bashar Al Assad holds up a picture of the Syrian president with the slogan 'Assad is the hope', at Umayyad Square. AP Photo
Bashar Al Assad supporters hold up national flags and pictures of the president. He is campaigning on the pledge to reconstruct the country, which has been devastated by a decade-long civil war. AP Photo
Bashar Al Assad supporters hold up national flags and pictures of the president. He is campaigning on the pledge to reconstruct the country, which has been devastated by a decade-long civil war. AP Photo
Supporters of Bashar Al Assad hold up images of the president and wave Syrian flags at Umayyad Square. More than 388,000 people have been killed in the civil war, and half the population displaced.
Supporters of Bashar Al Assad hold up images of the president and wave Syrian flags at Umayyad Square. More than 388,000 people have been killed in the civil war, and half the population displaced.
Syrian President Bashar Al Assad will run against two challengers approved by the country's constitutional court in Wednesday's election. AP Photo
Syrian President Bashar Al Assad will run against two challengers approved by the country's constitutional court in Wednesday's election. AP Photo
Supporters of Bashar Al Assad fly national flags at Umayyad Square. Wednesday's vote will be confined to the two-thirds of the country under the Assad regime's control. AP Photo
Supporters of Bashar Al Assad fly national flags at Umayyad Square. Wednesday's vote will be confined to the two-thirds of the country under the Assad regime's control. AP Photo
Heads of electoral centre committees take a legal oath in Damascus before Syria's judicial subcommittee, in preparation for the Wednesday's elections. EPA
Heads of electoral centre committees take a legal oath in Damascus before Syria's judicial subcommittee, in preparation for the Wednesday's elections. EPA
Heads of electoral centre committees take their oath. EPA
Heads of electoral centre committees take their oath. EPA
Syrian Minister of Justice Ahmad Al Sayyed, centre, speaks after receiving the results of votes from Syrians living abroad. EPA
Syrian Minister of Justice Ahmad Al Sayyed, centre, speaks after receiving the results of votes from Syrians living abroad. EPA

Mr Marei may be tolerated officially, but he faces a torrent of abuse from government supporters on social media. They posted images of the candidate with the hashtag "we are continuing without you" and mocking his slogans of "Yes for freeing all political detainees".

He has some defenders online, however, with one activist decrying the abuse of Mr Marei's on Facebook. "Very disgusted by all the people and pages insulting Marei, this person has followers, a family, and children," the activist wrote.

Despite the accusations of being a government plant and the abuse online, Mr Marei speaks frankly about what he sees are the needs and priorities of the Syrian people after more than 10 years of war that started with protests calling for the fall of the Al Assad family's rule.

“How can people want to collapse the regime? It didn’t work. We need to be realistic for the interests of Syria, for the young people who have no work and are living in a bad economic crisis,” he said.

A party for Assad

There is little doubt in Damascus that Mr Al Assad will win by a landslide and secure a fourth consecutive term in the office he took over from his father in 2000.

Beyond the confines of Mr Marei's office, the rest of the capital is in festival-like spirits.

Tents were erected to promote Mr Al Assad and huge loudspeakers play deafening patriotic songs.

“The last two weeks have been more of a celebration than an election, it’s like a national wedding or a holiday,” said university student Ruba Shami. “Some workers and students went to the rallies because they got days off and were given refreshments and could dance. It’s not often we get this – but it’s like a long holiday.”

When asked if she planned to vote and who she would cast a ballot for, Ms Shami hesitated. “I don’t know, we shall see on the day.”

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Fares Othman was more forthright.

He works at the Finance Ministry, next to a hot spot for pro- Assad rallies, where music and particular dabke songs praise the president through the day and echo deep into the night.

“We come here, like we did seven years ago, to swear fealty again to our leader. This is our chance to show who we believe in,” Mr Othman said. “The other candidates are very brave, but they have no chance.”

The lead-up to the election was dominated by a relentless election campaign by the president's team with the slogan "work through hope" that sought to portray the 55-year-old Syrian leader as a man of action up to the task of leading for the next seven years.

A nation in ruins

While Mr Al Assad’s victory is in little doubt, the challenges he faces are immense.

Armed factions still control Idlib, the last rebel-held province that is now home to three million people – including more than a million children.

The International Committee of the Red Cross estimates that 47 per cent of Syrians lost a close relative in the war with about 62 per cent forced from their homes.

Almost half of the Syrian population have lost their income and 85 per cent are struggling to afford food and basic necessities.

In a pre-election move from the seat of power, Mr Al Assad issued an amnesty waiving punishments for draft dodgers, illegal currency traders and those facing small criminal charges.

Aside from this quick-win pardoning spree, the Syrian government also managed to stabilise Syria’s faltering currency at a preferential rate of 3,100 Syrian pounds to the dollar – down from a record-high of 4,900 Syrian pounds to the dollar before the elections. The move gave a slight reprieve to people suffering from a steady economic decline.

Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and his wife Asma cast their votes in Douma, near Damascus. Syria held presidential elections on May 26 after allowing its citizens around the world to vote the week prior at embassies. AFP
Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and his wife Asma cast their votes in Douma, near Damascus. Syria held presidential elections on May 26 after allowing its citizens around the world to vote the week prior at embassies. AFP
An election official checks President Al Assad's ID, at the polling station where the Syrian leader had gone to vote. AP
An election official checks President Al Assad's ID, at the polling station where the Syrian leader had gone to vote. AP
President Al Assad is surrounded by well-wishers. The US, European powers and the UN described the election as "illegitimate", amid accusations of rigging. AFP
President Al Assad is surrounded by well-wishers. The US, European powers and the UN described the election as "illegitimate", amid accusations of rigging. AFP
Syrians wait outside a polling station, with a national flag hanging above the entrance, in Aleppo. AFP
Syrians wait outside a polling station, with a national flag hanging above the entrance, in Aleppo. AFP
Asma, the wife of President Al Assad, greets supporters after casting her vote. Reuters
Asma, the wife of President Al Assad, greets supporters after casting her vote. Reuters
A Syrian woman casts her ballot at a polling station. Mr Al Assad was competing against two obscure rivals in the May 26 election. AFP
A Syrian woman casts her ballot at a polling station. Mr Al Assad was competing against two obscure rivals in the May 26 election. AFP
Few people doubt Mr Al Assad will win and extend his presidency despite a decade of war that has left Syria and its economy in tatters. Reuters
Few people doubt Mr Al Assad will win and extend his presidency despite a decade of war that has left Syria and its economy in tatters. Reuters
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All East John X Yazigi casts his vote in Damascus. Reuters
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch and All East John X Yazigi casts his vote in Damascus. Reuters
Despite calls for a new constitution, Wednesday’s vote was held under the terms of Syria’s 2012 constitution. Reuters
Despite calls for a new constitution, Wednesday’s vote was held under the terms of Syria’s 2012 constitution. Reuters
Presidential hopeful Mahmoud Merei at his office in Damascus
Presidential hopeful Mahmoud Merei at his office in Damascus
Telecommunications provider Emmatel posts a message of support for Mr Al Assad ahead of elections.
Telecommunications provider Emmatel posts a message of support for Mr Al Assad ahead of elections.
Another Syrian telecommunications provider MTN, installed a billboard advertisment reading "Our hand with yours", with Al Assad's picture.
Another Syrian telecommunications provider MTN, installed a billboard advertisment reading "Our hand with yours", with Al Assad's picture.
A photo card showing the election candidates.
A photo card showing the election candidates.
A banner in Bagdad street reads "Al Assad in my veins"
A banner in Bagdad street reads "Al Assad in my veins"
A Syrian campaign poster showing Mr Al Assad.
A Syrian campaign poster showing Mr Al Assad.

But, the vote will do little to change the view of Mr Al Assad in the West or lead to the removal of sanctions on the regime – the US State Department has already denounced the vote.

“The proposed Syrian presidential election this year will neither be free nor fair,” they said. “In this environment, we do not assess this call for elections to be credible.”

Nicolas de Riviere, the French ambassador to the UN, said that "France will not recognise any validity to the elections planned by the regime at the end of May".

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad responded that "the West is boycotting Syria and imposing economic sanctions on it to push the refugees not to return to Syria".

More than 6.6 million Syrian refugees fled the war to neighbouring states and overseas.

Mr Marei may be an opponent but he agrees with the government that sanctions are a dead end.

“We need to work towards removing sanctions and restoring our resources,” he said.

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How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

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At a glance

Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.

 

Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year

 

Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month

 

Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30 

 

Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse

 

Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth

 

Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances

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Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

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Australia (15-1): Israel Folau; Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Kurtley Beale, Marika Koroibete; Bernard Foley, Will Genia; David Pocock, Michael Hooper (capt), Lukhan Tui; Adam Coleman, Izack Rodda; Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tom Robertson.

Replacements: Tolu Latu, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Rob Simmons, Pete Samu, Nick Phipps, Matt Toomua, Jack Maddocks.

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Results

Men's finals

45kg:Duc Le Hoang (VIE) beat Zolfi Amirhossein (IRI) points 29-28. 48kg: Naruephon Chittra (THA) beat Joseph Vanlalhruaia (IND) TKO round 2.

51kg: Sakchai Chamchit (THA) beat Salam Al Suwaid (IRQ) TKO round 1. ​​​​​​​54kg: Veerasak Senanue (THA) beat Huynh Hoang Phi (VIE) 30-25.

57kg: Almaz Sarsembekov (KAZ) beat Tak Chuen Suen (MAC) RSC round 3. 60kg: Yerkanat Ospan (KAZ) beat Ibrahim Bilal (UAE) 30-27.

63.5kg: Abil Galiyev (KAZ) beat Nouredine Samir (UAE) 29-28. 67kg: Narin Wonglakhon (THA) beat Mohammed Mardi (UAE) 29-28.

71kg: Amine El Moatassime (UAE) w/o Shaker Al Tekreeti (IRQ). 75kg:​​​​​​​ Youssef Abboud (LBN) w/o Ayoob Saki (IRI).

81kg: Ilyass Habibali (UAE) beat Khaled Tarraf (LBN) 29-28. 86kg: Ali Takaloo (IRI) beat Emil Umayev (KAZ) 30-27.

91kg: Hamid Reza Kordabadi (IRI) beat Mohamad Osaily (LBN) RSC round 1. 91-plus kg: Mohammadrezapoor Shirmohammad (IRI) beat Abdulla Hasan (IRQ) 30-27.

Women's finals

45kg: Somruethai Siripathum (THA) beat Ha Huu Huynh (VIE) 30-27. 48kg: Thanawan Thongduang (THA) beat Colleen Saddi (PHI) 30-27.

51kg: Wansawang Srila Or (THA) beat Thuy Phuong Trieu (VIE) 29-28. 54kg: Ruchira Wongsriwo (THA) beat Zeinab Khatoun (LBN) 30-26.

57kg: Sara Idriss (LBN) beat Zahra Nasiri Bargh (IRI) 30-27. 60kg: Kaewrudee Kamtakrapoom (THA) beat Sedigheh Hajivand (IRI) TKO round 2.

63.5kg: Nadiya Moghaddam (IRI) w/o Reem Al Issa (JOR).

Europe wide
Some of French groups are threatening Friday to continue their journey to Brussels, the capital of Belgium and the European Union, and to meet up with drivers from other countries on Monday.

Belgian authorities joined French police in banning the threatened blockade. A similar lorry cavalcade was planned for Friday in Vienna but cancelled after authorities prohibited it.

While you're here
ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Co%20Chocolat%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202017%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Iman%20and%20Luchie%20Suguitan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Food%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%241%20million-plus%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fahad%20bin%20Juma%2C%20self-funding%2C%20family%20and%20friends%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING

Director: Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg

Rating: 4/5

Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency
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Syria