How many people have died?
150,000
Who is expected to win the election?
President Bashar al-Assad
What does the constitution stipulate?
that presidential elections must be held now.
What does the regime say about it?
it is the first time a president will be elected by the people rather than appointed
What does the opposition say?
the election is a fraud
Did they say anything else?
Yes
What?
that voting will be rigged to keep Assad in power.
Who is Maher Hajjer?
One of the candidates.
What do he do for a living?
is an entrepreneur and member of parliament.
Is he well known?
No
Does he have an election slogan?
Yes
What is it?
"Syria is with Palestine,"
What does he plan to change besides that?
it is unclear what he would change
Is there another candidate running?
Yes
What is his name?
Hassan Nouri,
What is his profession?
he is a former economics professor and cabinet minister
Why is he a former economics professor and cabinet minister?
because he was too critical of Assad's government
Where did he get his education?
the University of Wisconsin
How does he feel about the election?
That it is an uphill battle but feels he is making headway.
What is his main message?
economic
What are his economic views?
Market liberalization and fighting corrupt government