DAMASCUS, (SANA)_Information Minister Dr. Adnan Mahmoud said that the People's Assembly elections are to be held in an atmosphere of democracy and political pluralism, according to the elections' law which tasked the independent judiciary with overseeing the elections through the Higher Committee of Elections.

In a statement on Sunday, Minister Mahmoud said that the atmosphere of political and media freedom that the state guaranteed under the constitution allowed the candidates and parties to express their platforms, and electoral campaigns were held in a competitive atmosphere.

He said that the Syrian national media applied the international democratic standards for electoral campaigns in its coverage of the electoral activities and festivals through embracing balance in the news coverage.

Minister Mahmoud added that the Syrian TV will be broadcasting live coverage of the event from over 50 locations all over Syria, in addition to media coverage by correspondents of more than 200 Arab and foreign media outlets , not to mention 100 personalities from Arab and foreign countries.

He added that the Syrian people have shown the highest degrees of awareness and resolve to move ahead with reforms, indicating that the Syrians' participation is intended to challenge the terrorism waged by regional and international powers against Syria.

M. Ismael