Syrian Kurds press on with elections despite divisions
Kurds supporting self-rule in Syria have two elections down and one to go in their march toward a federalist government, although not everyone in the territory is on board.
![MIDEAST-CRISIS/SYRIA-FEDERALISM Bureau members of a preparatory conference to announce a federal system discuss a "Democratic Federal System for Rojava - Northern Syria" in the Kurdish-controlled town of Rmeilan, Hasaka province, Syria March 16, 2016. REUTERS/Rodi Said - GF10000347792](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/almpics/2017/12-1/RTSARA8.jpg/RTSARA8.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=miGEh49M)
Kurds in northern Syria are proceeding with elections as they aim for a federal system of government in Syria, despite the Syrian regime’s disapproval and Turkey’s anger. The third and last phase of voting in the election will take place in January, when voters choose members of the Democratic People's Council of North Syria.
The first phase of the voting launched Sept. 22, with elections in 3,700 communes — smaller provincial units in residential neighborhoods within the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria, also called Rojava. More than 12,000 candidates participated.