Syrian President Bashar al-Assad wins a fourth term with 95.1% votes
The country’s exiled Opposition and the international community denounced the elections that they said were ‘neither free nor fair’. Updated 2 hours ago Syrians wave national flags and carry a large portrait of President Bashar al-Assad as they celebrate on the streets of the capital Damascus on May 27. | Louai Beshara/AFP
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad secured a fourth term in the war-torn region on Thursday, reported state-run news agency Sana, citing official results. The elections were held on Wednesday.
A decade-long conflict has devastated Syria as it began after the Assad-led government used deadly force against peaceful pro-democracy protestors in March 2011. The clashes have killed at least 3,88,000 and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, according to the BBC.