As-Suwayda witnesses a widespread boycott of “People’s Assembly” elections

Local sources from the city reported that expressions of opposition to the elections varied. Some areas witnessed the closure of polling centers and destruction of ballot boxes, while other areas saw protests and demonstrations.

The protests were concentrated in various areas, including As-Suwayda, Al-Qurayya, Qanawat, Salim, Malh, Arman, Al-Majdal, Mardak, Al-Buthaina, Mardak, Irika, Raymah Hazem, Lagha, Al-Jeneina, Al-Radhima Al-Sharqiya, Hazm, and Lahitha.

In As-Suwayda, dozens participated in a peaceful demonstration in Karama Square in front of the municipal building, which was designated as an election center. During the demonstration, security personnel at the police headquarters unexpectedly opened fire with machine guns toward the main road and the square.

The sudden gunfire resulted in the injury of a civilian crossing the road, who was not part of the protest. The injured man, appearing to be in his early sixties, was taken to the National Hospital in unstable condition.

The SOHR reported that many citizens gathered in Karama Square and near the municipal building in the city center to protest the People's Assembly elections initiated in areas controlled by Damascus forces.

Protesters displayed signs with messages such as Your vote is your dignity, so do not sell it cheaply, No to puppet council elections, and No one elects the corrupt except the corrupt.

Additionally, some protesting residents attacked voting centers in the As-Suwayda countryside, destroying and setting fire to ballot boxes outside centers in villages and towns like Arman, Al-Qanat, Al-Qurayya, and Salim. They also closed a center in the town of Al-Qurayya.

T/ Satt.

ANHA