US-backed SDF calls for boycott of Syrian general election
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The Autonomous Administration's decision follows its announcement to postpone municipal elections in the areas under its control in northern Syria, initially scheduled for June 11.
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US-backed Syrian democratic forces SDF militants sit on their armored vehicles, at al-Sabha town in the eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor, Syria, Monday, September 4, 2023. (AP)
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Council (SDC), the political wing of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), of the Autonomous Administration in northeastern Syria announced its boycott of the upcoming legislative elections, urging people "not to participate in them."
The Autonomous Administration's decision follows its announcement to postpone municipal elections in the areas under its control in northern Syria, initially scheduled for June 11, reportedly due to threats from Turkey and pressure from the United States.
Since taking control of the region in 2013, the Autonomous Administration has consistently refused to participate in elections. It has also attempted to prevent residents in areas under its control from traveling to government-controlled areas to vote.
This election has seen a significant turnout in al-Hasakah province, with 400 candidates from various social, religious, and ethnic backgrounds submitting applications for membership in the People's Assembly. The province has 14 allocated seats.
Notable electoral activity in Al-Hasakah, Qamishli
In a statement, the SDC called on "all national and democratic Syrian forces to unite efforts to build a broad national front capable of representing the aspirations of the Syrian people and defending their legitimate rights."
The council expressed its full readiness "to participate in any serious initiatives aimed at achieving a genuine political transition leading to a democratic system representing all segments of the Syrian people."
Al-Hasakah and Qamishli cities and their surrounding areas are witnessing notable electoral activity for the People's Assembly elections for the fourth legislative term.
The upcoming election has seen a large number of candidates in Al-Hasakah province, representing various social groups, including tribes, Syriacs, Assyrians, Kurds, and Armenians. More than half of the candidates are from the Ruling Ba'ath Party.
The Syrian People's Assembly comprises 250 seats, contested by 8,953 candidates, including 1,317 women. The Assembly has been the legislative authority in Syria since 1971.
Preparations underway
Election campaigns for candidates running for the People's Assembly of the Syrian Arab Republic are ongoing, particularly in the governorates of Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia. At the same time, heads of election centers and committees in the governorates have taken their legal oaths before the subordinate judicial committees.
Syria's Ba'ath Party issued a statement calling for widespread participation in the upcoming election scheduled for July 15, emphasizing that "voting is a national responsibility and a duty of both the party and the people, as well as a constitutional right."
Preparations for the elections have intensified as the Syrian government has discussed ensuring all requirements for the electoral process are met, confirming coordination between various ministries and agencies to create optimal conditions for the election and enable citizens to cast their votes.
The latest legislative elections in Syria took place on June 19, 2020. At the time, the 250-seat council was composed of 177 seats held by the National Progressive Front and 73 seats held by independent candidates. Hammouda Sabbagh has been serving as the Assembly's chairperson since then.
