BREAKING NEWS

Syria cabinet okays new election law as part of reforms

AMMAN - The Syrian cabinet approved on Tuesday a new election law as part of a package of democratic reforms, the national news agency said, prompted by four months of street protests demanding the toppling of President Bashar Assad.
Assad has begun unveiling new laws to placate expanding street protests. His critics say the measures offer few concessions while a bloody repression intensifies.
The law regulates elections to parliament, a rubber-stamp assembly elected every five years but effectively appointed by Assad's ruling Baath Party and security agencies that answer directly to the 45-year old president, and sets up a commission to "manage elections and guarantee their integrity".