Syria: Parliamentary Elections Postponed in Three Provinces

The upcoming parliamentary elections in Syria, the first since the removal of long-time President Bashar al-Assad, will not be held in three provinces due to security concerns, the electoral commission announced.

The elections were originally scheduled for September 15-20, but have been postponed in the Suweida, Hassakeh and Raqqa provinces due to "security challenges", according to Hassan al-Dayem.

Suweida recently experienced inter-religious violence, while Hassakeh and Raqqa are controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces. Ahmed al-Sara, the interim president, has ratified a decree on a provisional electoral system.

Al-Sara overthrew Assad in December, with the former president fleeing to Russia. The new leadership is seeking international recognition and financial support to rebuild the country.

Source: ΑΠΕ-ΜΠΕ-dpa