Damascus, Syria - July 15, 2024

Syrians headed to the polls to elect representatives to the Syrian parliament on Monday, with many hoping that these elections will mark a turning point for a country beset by economic challenges and regional tensions.

Syrian parliamentary elections are held every four years, with 1,516 candidates vying for 250 seats in the People's Assembly this year, the country's fourth parliamentary elections since mass anti-government protests in 2011 spiraled into an ongoing civil war.

Over 8,000 polling stations were opened in Syrian government controlled areas, but there were no polling stations in the U.S.-protected Kurdish controlled areas or along the Syrian-Turkish borders, which are controlled by Turkiye-backed rebels, as these areas do not recognize the legitimacy of the elections.

Most candidates have pledged to improve economic conditions with slogans reflecting the impact of inflation that has hit the country hard.

Since the last parliamentary elections were held in 2020 Syria has been readmitted to the Arab League and a Syrian-Turkish rapprochement has progressed, bringing hope for an end to the ongoing civil turmoil.

Shotlist:
Damascus, Syria - July 15, 2024:
1. Voters outside polling station;
2. Various of voters casting ballots, getting registered;
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mais Sultan, Syrian citizen:
"It is a constitutional duty and I have to take part in it. I hope the Parliament members will convey our concerns. The biggest concern is the economy.";
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Nabeel Akel, Syrian citizen:
"The parliament is responsible for developing our laws and collaborating with the government to improve people's livelihoods, especially as we face economic hardships from 14 years of crisis. Now, it is the parliament's turn to repay the people for what they have endured.";
5. Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad casting ballot;
6. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad casting ballot;
7. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Faisal Mikdad, Syrian Foreign Minister:
"I believe that with these elections, we are kicking off a new phase in the history of Syria. I can't claim it is different, but it is a continuation of what Syria has achieved under the leadership of President Bashar al-Assad. I am very optimistic. I think this round will be a true representation of the practice of democracy by the Syrian people when it is constitutionally required to do so.";
8. Various of people, traffic near poster of candidate.

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