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Syria’s presidential elections, explained

Described as a farce by opponents, Syria’s upcoming presidential elections are designed to keep President Bashar al-Assad in power until at least 2028.
LOUAI BESHARA/AFP via Getty Images

Syrians on Wednesday cast their votes in an election that rights groups and Western governments say is a foregone conclusion. President Bashar al-Assad is all but guaranteed to win the presidential poll, securing a fourth seven-year term in the midst of a decade-long revolt against his rule. 

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