Syrians on Monday headed to poll stations to cast their ballots in the country’s parliamentary vote, following the adoption of the new constitution last February.

Syrians on Monday headed to poll stations to cast their ballots in the country’s parliamentary vote, following the adoption of the new constitution last February.

Poll stations opened at 7:00 a.m. (4:00 GMT), and are due close at 22:00 p.m., before the vote counting would start.

Assistant Interior Minister for Civil Affairs said yesterday that the Ministry has taken all necessary measures to provide the electoral centers in all constituencies.

“All necessary requirements for the electoral process to go smoothly have been provided”, Brigadier-General Hassan Jalai said, according to state news agency SANA.

A total of 7,195 candidates, including 710 women, are competing through 12, 152 electoral centers for 250-seats of the People Assembly.

According to the General Elections' Law, there are 14,788,644 eligible voters who completed 18 years of age and have the right to participate in the elections.

Monday's election will be the first time Syria has held multiparty elections since the adoption in February by referendum of a new constitution that ended the rule of Baath party.
Nine parties have been created, and seven have candidates vying for a parliamentary seat.