Syria’s parliament speaker Hammoud Sabbagh said Mr. Assad garnered 95.1% of the votes. He said Mr. Assad garnered 95.1% of the votes. Mr. Assad was facing symbolic competition from two candidates — a former minister and a former opposition figure. Mr. Assad, close associates and government officials are facing widening Western sanctions, added to already existing ones that have escalated as the war unfolded. Thousands gathered in major squares in Damascus, and the coastal city of Tartus, dancing while waving flags and pictures of Mr. Assad.

Source: The Hindu May 27, 2021 21:12 UTC