Douglas Alexander MP Labour’s Shadow Foreign Secretary, commenting on the announcement that Bashar al-Assad has been re-elected President of Syria, said:
 
“This election was neither free nor fair, and it in no way enhances President Assad’s legitimacy within Syria or in the international community. 

“Conducted in appalling conditions, with millions of Syrians unable to take part and make their voices heard, this election was very far from being a truly democratic poll.
 
“The international community has rightly condemned President Assad’s decision to proceed with the election, which was intended as a distraction from the vital work still needed to secure real stability and peace in Syria.
 
“With over 162,000 people now thought to have lost their lives in the conflict, the task of securing a negotiated political transition remains urgent, and the UK Government must continue our work through the EU and our allies to bring all sides of the conflict to the negotiating table.”