Syria's transitional authorities launch vote for new legislature

Syria's transitional authorities on Sunday launched the country’s first parliamentary elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad last December, marking a new stage in the country’s post-conflict political transition.

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Polling stations opened at 9 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) across most provinces for members of local electoral bodies to cast their votes for the 210-seat People’s Assembly, according to the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections. Committee spokesman Nawar Najmeh said the voting process will continue until noon and may be extended until 4 pm. (1300 GMT) if necessary, Xinhua news agency reported.