An interview with Ashraf Almoukdad, the representative of the National Salvation Front in New Zealand
What’s your take on upcoming legislative elections in Syria?
To refer to what is going on in Syria today as popular vote is an insult to any reasonably intelligent human being. How could you call this a democratic process when the ruling party has a given right to get 2/3 of the seats regardless of popular desire? The elections are nothing but a national scam, and they are quite shameful indeed. It is no surprise that candidates cannot post a program, anyone who is brave enough to ask some of the hard question will face dire consequences. We have seen it happen too many times.
Why does the Assad regime insist on conducting such elections despite popular apathy and international condemnation?
It is nothing short of a cynical attempt to show that he could manipulate a legitimate process to get the desired results and claim victory. It’s meant a show of control.
Do you agree with the call to boycott these elections?
Of course. How can a sane person to participate in this? Especially we in the opposition. I mean, how could we get involve in such a national fraud?
What do you believe the turn out for the elections will be?
You and I know that other than people who are forced, directly or indirectly, or are getting paid, no one will take part in this sham. For everybody knows that the ruling party will be here and that voter turnout will not change that.
Do you think the legislative elections are going to change anything in Syria?
It defies logic to even expect a change. The elections are taken place to consolidate the status quo and regime control not to change anything.
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