HAPPENING NOW: Syrians Elect President Amid Civil War

On Tuesday, June 3, Syria is holding a presidential election in government-held areas amid a three-year old civil war that activists say has killed more than 160,000 people and displaced millions more.

Syria Election: Thousands Of People Vote Amid Civil War

For the first time in five decades, the Assad family is facing sanctioned challengers. June 3, 2014

Voting is only taking place in government-held territory, as much of northern and eastern Syria is either under rebel control or in areas being fought over.

President Bashar al-Assad is widely expected to win a third seven-year term in office. To other two candidates are former minister Hassan al-Nouri and parliamentarian Maher Hajjar.

Syria Election: Thousands Of People Vote Amid Civil War

Supporters of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad wave the national flags and chant slogans in front of General Federation of Trade Unions building, during presidential election in Damascus June 3, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/ OMAR SANADIKI

This is the first time in more than 40 years that more than one name – just a member of the Assad family – has appeared on the ballot paper.  

The last seven presidential elections were referenda to approve Bashar or his father, Hafez al-Assad. Hafez never scored less than 99 percent, while his son got 97.6 percent seven years ago.

Syria Election: Thousands Of People Vote Amid Civil War

Syrian President Bashar Assad and his wife Asma cast their votes in the country’s presidential elections at a polling station in Damascus, June 3, 2014. Credit: Reuters

Analysts say Syrian officials have gone to great lengths to present the vote as a way to resolve the crisis, the BBC reports. 

in rebel-held Syria Election: Thousands Of People Vote Amid Civil War, people have dismissed the elections as a sham. June 3, 2014

In rebel-held areas, people have dismissed the elections as a sham. June 3, 2014

Opposition fighters have warned they will try to disrupt the vote, and the National Coalition – the main Western-backed opposition group – is boycotting it.

Syria Election: Thousands Of People Vote Amid Civil War

Some refugees in Lebanon are crossing back over the border briefly to vote, June 3, 2014.

There are 15.8 million eligible voters, both inside and outside Syria, and about 9,600 polling stations have been set up around the country, the interior ministry said.

We will keep you updated.

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