Perspective from the Midle East on Syrian elections

SYRIA: The other election

Middle East Times, Apr.24.- The general lack of enthusiasm in Syria's parliamentary vote is understandable. Most Syrians know full well that the outcome of the election is predetermined by the government. Out of a total of 250 parliamentary seats, only one-third of them are up for grabs. The other two-thirds - 167 seats - are de facto granted to the Nationalist Progressive Front (NPF), a coalition of the Baath Party and 9 other parties that has ruled Syria since 1972.

"The only real competition is among thousands of independent candidates for the remaining 83 seats", wrote Landis in an election special.

He also pointed out: "Independent candidates divide themselves into various lists, which do not necessarily reflect a division along ideological lines. The most prominent electoral list is Al Sham, which includes well-known figures in business, former parliamentarians, and clergymen. Its platform focuses on unemployment and the rising costs of living."
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... Popular political apathy results in voter turnouts between 4 and 10 percent, according to unofficial figures. Whenever voters turn out in such small numbers, it usually means that they have little trust in their government and their country's electorate system.

Similarly, when a government picks the candidates for the people, it means that it does not trust the people's choice.

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