(AKI) - In a widely expected decision, Syria's parliament has nominated President Basher al-Assad as the sole candidate in presidential elections scheduled for 27 June. Parliamentary speaker Mahmud al-Abrash described the unanimous decision as akin to "a wedding feast for all the cities of Syria". The Syrian constitution grants Assad's ruling Baath party and its allies control of parliament with the remaining seats held by independents linked to the government.On election day, voters will be called to express their opinion by marking their ballots "yes" or "no" for Assad. Opposition parties are boycotting the election and have called for "real democratic elections".