Syria holds presidential poll dismissed by critics
news Syria holds presidential poll dismissed by critics © Reuters Bashar al-Assad and his wife Asma cast their ballots in the former rebel stronghold of Douma A presidential election is taking place in government-held parts of Syria, with Bashar al-Assad seen as certain to win a fourth seven-year term. Mr Assad is facing two little-known challengers, Abdullah Salloum Abdullah and Mahmoud Ahmed Mari. The poll has been dismissed as a farce by the war-torn country's opposition, while the US and European powers have said it is neither free nor fair. As he cast his ballot Mr Assad said the opin...