The Syrians’ Message
DAMASCUS, (ST)-Voters from all around Syria headed on Wednesday morning to polling stations in all provinces to take part in the country’s parliamentary elections. The early hours of the electoral process witnessed heavy turnout by voters from all categories of the Syrian society as to choose 250 members out of over 3,500 candidates to represent them at the parliament.
More than 7,300 polling centers opened their doors to voters at 7 a.m. and will remain open until 7 p.m. The duration of the elections can be extended for five hours by a decision from the Higher Judicial Committee for Elections.
The democratic electoral process is being carried out in accordance with the Syrian state’s constitution and as an embodiment of the country’s sovereignty.
The “Syria Times” e-newspaper interviewed some voters casting their ballots at an election station in Damascus downtown to shed light on this democratic electoral process.
Rami Ahmad Mahmod, a 30 years old soldier in the Syrian Arab Army told Syria Times “we practice our constitutional right to vote in parliamentary elections because “we want to preserve the state’s institutions and the laws of the Syrian Arab Republic and to contribute to conveying the voice of people honestly.”
“I hope that more attention will be paid to injured army personnel and to the families of the martyrs of the Syrian Arab Army,” he added, calling for according special attention to armed forces personnel who finished their military service.
Marwan Hendi, a 47 years old employee, who also participated in the elections event, said “I came to vote for the candidates who I think are the true representatives who will reflect the people’s concerns and needs at the Syrian parliament and who are able to play an effective role in the coming era.”
On her part, Shefaa Ebrahim , a 40 years old employee, said “the main reason of our participation is the need to encourage women to have their active presence in the Parliament and to empower them to have effective role in all domains.”
Sharef Shihada, a candidate for the parliamentary elections, said “the parliamentary elections send a message that no one can weaken the Syrian people’s will and prove to the terrorists groups and their supporters that the Syrian people are going on in their constitutional duties to protect their state. The United States’ criticism of our elections proves that we, the Syrians, are walking on the right way. We don’t believe in what the United States says. The election process is a Syrian domestic issue and only the Syrians have the right to make decisions on their own issues. These elections will affect positively on the Geneva talks. I hope that good candidates will be elected to the People’s Assembly (parliament) as to deliver the people hopes and aspirations to inside the parliament.”
Ahmed Ba’age, the General Director of Al-Wahda Establishment for Press, Printing, Publishing and Distribution said “we are participating in these elections to affirm our constitutional duty and express the Syrians’ will in electing their representatives at the People Assembly. The big number of voters shows the Syrians’ will to fight and eradicate terrorism in Syria.”
Mayada Ali Hamdo, also an employee, said the Syrian citizens’ participation in the elections reflects their will to take part in rebuilding the country at all levels. It affirms national cohesion and adherence to the homeland and to work hand in hand with our leadership to fight terrorism and restore stability and security to our country.
Employee Sabah Anwar Wad’a, on her part, said I hope that the candidate whom I elected will be an effective and successful member at the parliament and will work for the benefit of our country and for the future and the young generation in Syria.
Su’ad Anwar Wda’a, also an employee, said I exercised my right in elections by electing the candidate who I think will work hard for the development and the future of our beloved Syria.”
Reported By: The Syria Times Staff