Syrians in government areas vote in first local polls since 2011
Updated 19:38, 19-Sep-2018
CGTN
["china"]
Syrians in government-controlled areas cast ballots on Sunday in their first local elections since 2011.
Polling booths opened at 7:00 am (0400 GMT) across government-held parts of the country and will be open for 12 hours, with a potential five-hour extension depending on turnout, reported state news agency SANA.
It said more than 40,000 candidates will compete for 18,478 seats on local administrative councils.
In Damascus, election posters mostly featuring incumbents were plastered across public squares, including in the Old City.
Mohammad Kabbadi, a 42-year-old government employee, cast his ballot in the Bab Sharqi district of the capital for a candidate from his neighborhood.
"I know exactly who I am going to vote for – he's young, active and his victory will bring good things to residents of this area," said Kabbadi.
Council members serve four-year terms at the municipal level and are mostly responsible for service provision and other administrative matters.
Those elected in this round are expected to have more responsibilities than their predecessors, particularly linked to reconstruction and urban development.
Syria last held local elections in December 2011, just nine months into a conflict between government forces and rebels. 
Syrian troops have retaken control of around two-thirds of the country after a string of victories, most recently around Damascus and in southern Syria.
The country held parliamentary elections in 2016 and a presidential vote in 2014 that renewed President Bashar Assad's rule for another seven years.
Source(s): AFP