The Syrian government announced that voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution that Syrian leaders portray as a step toward democratization.
Syria’s interior ministry announced that nearly 90 percent of voters approved a new constitution in a referendum on Sunday despite a boycott by government opponents.
Interior minister Mohammed al-Shaar said the turnout was 57.4 percent of eligible voters with nearly 8.4 million ballots cast.
The new document foresees the creation of a multi-party system in Syria, which has been governed solely by the Baath Party since 1963, and set presidential term limits. Still, it leaves the president extensive powers.
Opposition factions say the only acceptable solution to Syria’s crisis is for President Assad to step down. Western governments rejected the referendum as a farce, but both China and Russia welcomed it Monday.
Get the full story at VOANews.com
Middle East Voices
Middle East Voices is a unique social journalism project powered by Voice of America. The site, as a supplement to VOANews.com, is designed to present news, views and conversation to stimulate dialogue and understanding within, without and across man-made borders. On our platform, among other content, you will finds expert insights and community-submitted viewpoints on pressing political, economic, social and religious issues reshaping the Middle East and our world.