Syrians turn up in large numbers for referendum

DUBAI — The Dubai-based Syrian community yesterday took part in a referendum on a second seven-year term for Syrian President Bashar Al Assad.

The referendum which took place at the Syrian Consulate-General in Dubai witnessed a huge turnout.

A consulate official, on condition of anonymity, lauded the turnout to the referendum which started at 8am.

“We thought that the turnout would be kind of low in the morning because people might be busy at work but we were surprised to see people coming in large numbers.”

The official added that the referendum’s results would be out this morning and the preliminary results would be sent to Syria for the final vote counting.

Ziad Jumaa, civil engineer, said, “It is a wonderful feeling to be able to participate in this referendum from Dubai. We are grateful to the authorities for giving us the chance to exercise our democratic right. It is a national duty, a historic day. I am thoroughly convinced in Bashar Al Assad’s running for a second term.”

Hussam Salaas, also a civil engineer, said, “It is not a new experience for me. We have always been expressing our support and loyalty for our president and today we came to ascertain our love for him through this referendum. We are sure that Al Assad is the ideal president for the country and he is working for its interest.”

Wael Al Ghajari, accountant, noted that he was voting ‘yes’ to Al Assad. “I vote in his favour for he is leading Syria with determination overcoming many crises and pressure from the West. We are ready and willing to renew for Al Assad twice and thrice. It is amazing that we are taking part in this referendum though we are far from our country. I came with my friends all the way from Ras Al Khaimah, we cast our votes and we are waiting here, hopefully we will meet some friends and acquaintances.”

The security was very tight at the Syrian consulate in Dubai yesterday and police and security officers were checking people coming to the polling centre. The centre was decorated with posters reading “We Love You” and enthusiastic Syrians were chanting poems lauding the leadership of Bashar Al Assad and stressing their endorsement for his second presidential candidacy.
Previously, Bashar Al Assad had won 97 per cent of votes in the referendum held for him to succeed his father Hafez Al Assad on his death in June 2000. There are nearly 150,000 Syrians living in UAE.