Damascus: UN chief Ban Ki-moon has criticised the Syrian government for holding a national election while violence is still raging, and for failing to involve all parties.
"Only a comprehensive and inclusive political dialogue can lead to a genuine democratic future in Syria," News24 quoted Ban's spokesperson Martin Nesirky, as saying."These elections are not taking place within that framework. Moreover, a democratic process cannot be successful while violence is still ongoing," Nesirky added.
He further stressed that 'it is essential that there be a cessation of violence in all its forms and action to implement the six-point peace plan of UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan.
Most people in Syria have dismissed the legislative election as a sham that would do nothing to loosen President Bashar al-Assad's grip on power.
The election was called despite Syria being in the grip of an uprising against Asad, which according to the UN has left well over 9 000 dead since March 2011.
Norwegian
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