Australia condemns Syria’s Presidential election

Australia joins with the international community in rejecting the Presidential election held by the Assad regime on 3 June. This election has no legitimacy.

Syria's worsening civil war is now in its fourth year and the Syrian people are suffering in the worst humanitarian crisis facing the world today. They urgently need a political solution to the conflict. This election is not that solution.

No credible election could be held under the conditions in Syria. While the Assad regime collects ballots from government-controlled areas, it continues to bomb civilian neighbourhoods and deny millions of Syrians food and medicine.

Australia has repeatedly called for an inclusive political process that can bring an end to the conflict, in line with the principles of the Geneva Communiqué.

Australia will continue to use our seat on the Security Council to push for a political solution and to maintain pressure on the Syrian regime to stop targeting its own people.