SYRIA: Druze voters express their support to President Bashar al-Assad as they cast ballots in a national referendum on a new constitution

Record ID: 280341

  • Title: SYRIA: Druze voters express their support to President Bashar al-Assad as they cast ballots in a national referendum on a new constitution
  • Date: 27th February 2012
  • Summary: JARAMANA, SYRIA (FEBRUARY 26, 2012) (REUTERS) STREET SCENE IN DAMASCUS SUBURB OF JARAMANA BANNER READING IN ARABIC "THE COUNTRY IS EVERYBODY'S RESPONSIBILITY. LET'S VOTE ON THE CONSTITUTION" ENTRANCE TO POLLING CENTRE VARIOUS OF WOMEN VOTING VOTING CARDS EMPLOYEE REGISTERING IDENTITY CARDS VARIOUS OF PEOPLE VOTING SAMIR QARQOUT, SYRIAN CITIZEN, VOTING (SOUNDBITE)
  • Embargoed: 13th March 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Syrian Arab Republic
  • Country: Syria
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAD1W9CR4JZPUXC3BNHQBYQP93T
  • Story Text: Druze voters in the Damascus suburb of Jaramana took part in Syria's referendum on a new constitution on Sunday (February 26).
    Fear of the unknown in Syria means substantial communities of Christians, Kurds and Druze, as well as the urban, Sunni middle classes have been slow to turn against President Bashar al-Assad, giving him a wider base of support.
    "Congratulations on this day because this day is a realisation of justice. It included everybody in the society; religious men, youth, workers and farmers. This day is considered as a new birthday," said voter Samir Qarqout.
    Abu Adel Aref, who arrived in the poll centre singing for Syria, told Reuters: "I came to take part in the referendum and vote for it because I am convinced that it is a step towards reform".
    Many in the minorities - with grievances against the Assad family, or hurt by economic sanctions, or appalled at the descent into bloodshed or simply hedging their bets - have moved into opposition.
    Yet many also feel their communities risk too much by overturning the status quo.
    Poll centres opened early in the morning and polling centre chiefs said the turnout was greater than expected.
    Voting will be extended for three more hours in some cities.
    Assad says the new constitution will lead to a multi-party parliamentary election in three months. Western powers described the vote as a sham.
    The result is expected to be announced on Monday (February 27).
    At least 31 Syrian civilians and soldiers were killed on Sunday in bloodshed that coincided with a vote on a new constitution that could keep Assad in power until 2028.
    Assad's opponents see the referendum as a sick joke given Syria's turmoil. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said a military bombardment of opposition districts in Homs had killed nine civilians while rebels had killed four soldiers in clashes.
    The British-based Observatory said eight civilians and 10 members of the security forces were killed in violence elsewhere in Syria, scene of what has become an increasingly militarised revolt against four decades of Assad family rule.
    END
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