(AKI) - The exiled leader of the Muslim Brotherhood's chapter in Syria has dismissed last week's parliamentary elections as "yet another farce."
I blame Bashir Assad: not for the phony election, but for putting me in the position of having to agree with the Muslim Brotherhood. | "Those elected represent no other than the system of power which gave them victory," the London-based Ali Sadr al-Din al-Bayanuni told Adnkronos International (AKI). Echoing the words of many Syrian dissidents, al-Bayanuni slammed an article in the Syrian constitution that enshrines the ruling Baath party's role as the "guide" of political life in Syria, guaranteeing its hold on power.
In practical terms Article 8 of the constitution reserves two thirds of the seats in parliament to the Baath party and its allies in the National Progressive Front. "But even the remaining seats, contested by so-called independents are routinely won by candidates supported by the government and the state security apparatus," al-Bayanuni told AKI.
The Muslim Brotherhood leader whose movement was outlawed in Syria 11 years ago said that with only 6 percent of those eligible to vote casting their balllots, "the election results cannot in any way be considered as an indication of the desires and aspirations of people". |