The elections, the second since President Bashar al-Assad came to power in July 2000, are seen as helping al-Assad consolidate power. His Ba'ath Party is guaranteed 131 seats, or 52 percent.
Among other demands, the opposition wants a law authorizing parties other than the Ba'ath Party and its allies, and abrogation of the state of emergency which has been in force since 1963.
(AFP, AP)
Among other demands, the opposition wants a law authorizing parties other than the Ba'ath Party and its allies, and abrogation of the state of emergency which has been in force since 1963.
(AFP, AP)