Syrian Democratic Council and Syriac Union Party reject regime elections: They are an affront to the Syrian people and the U.N., says Barsoum

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA — With the approach of the presidential elections organized by the Syrian regime, scheduled for 26 May, the Syrian Democratic Council (SDC) stated that the elections, not being held in good faith, will do nothing to further a political solution for the Syrian people.

In its statement, the SDC declared that it refuses any participation in the elections and will not facilitate any electoral procedure that violates U.N. Security Council Resolution No. 2254.

Despite the SDC’s attempts to negotiate with the Syrian regime to achieve political reform and progress, all efforts have been in vain due to the obstructions and intransigence of the regime which is unwilling to make concessions, read the statement.

The SDC indicated that both the Syrian regime and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) are responsible for crimes against the Syrian people and for obstructing negotiations for a political solution in accordance with UNSCR No. 2254, which stipulates forming a transitional governing body, establishing a safe environment, and developing a new constitution. On this basis, any elections must be conducted with transparency, international observation, and the full participation of the Syrian people, said the SDC.

The SDC emphasized that they will not be part of the Syrian regime’s presidential elections and believes that no national elections are legitimate before a political solution is secured in accordance with UNSCR No. 2254, all political detainees are released, displaced people are allowed to return to their homes, and a political structure is agreed to that frees of Syrian people from tyranny. The Syrian people deserve a pluralistic, democratic government that recognizes the rights of all the country’s national and religious components, men and women, on an equal basis without discrimination or exclusion, said the SDC.

In an interview with SuroyoTV, Co-Chair of the Syriac Union Party (SUP) Sanharib Barsoum stated that the elections being orchestrated by the Syrian regime lack legitimacy.

“When we talk about the political problem in Syria, we must talk about the international track to find a way out and a solution to the Syrian situation,” said Barsoum. “This solution is Resolution 2254 and it is the only way out of the Syrian crisis.”

“The Syrian regime is challenging the international community as well as the Syrian people by conducting these elections rejected by the United Nations,” he added.

When asked about the fate of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) people, their presence in Syria, and the aspirations of the SUP, Barsoum said that, “We are seeking to establish the rights of our people in the Syrian constitution and secure their future in Syria through building a democratic homeland.”

When asked about the Syrian regime’s view of the solution in Syria, Barsoum said that, “The regime is betting on regaining control of all of Syria; for it the military solution is always on the table and this is what the international community rejects because it will drag Syria into another decade of war.”

“The Syrian people deserve to reach a peaceful democratic solution and end the suffering and war,” he added. “Syrians have a right to govern themselves.” This has been achieved in North and East Syria, he concluded, and it is a right that must be extended to all Syrians.

someone sent me this video from Damascus: imagine how much each of these colored posters cost for an election whose results are already known in a country going through acute economic devastation pic.twitter.com/Vd6vPbTS6A

— Sarah Dadouch | سارة دعدوش (@SarahDadouch) May 21, 2021