Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition – Syria
Department of Media and Communications
November 20, 2020
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) reaffirms that there is no alternative for the formation of a Transitional Governing Body (TGB) with full powers, and that it is not possible to accept or participate in any elections in the presence of the murderous Assad regime.
Out of the SOC’s commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the Geneva Communique of 2012, and for the forces of the Syrian revolution to be fully prepared for the efforts related to the achievement of a political solution and the formation of a TGB with full powers without Assad in accordance with the four-baskets plan, the SOC decided to form the National Commission for Elections in preparation for the transitional phase and beyond.
We have always stressed the need to take more serious steps to vitalize all tracks of a political solution, including the drafting of a new constitution and preparations for holding free and fair elections under the auspices of the United Nations in a safe, neutral environment as was set forth in UN Security Council Resolution 2254, while enabling the internally displaced people, refugees and all Syrians in the diaspora to participate.
The National Commission for Elections is a technical body tasked with preparing to participate in elections during the transitional phase and beyond. It will operate in all areas that can be reached inside Syria through a set of mechanisms. These include selecting staff and training specialized teams to work on all issues related to the electoral process. The Commission will also organize lectures and discussions explaining the details and various aspects of elections for all segments of the Syrian people provided that prerequisites for conducting fair elections in which the head of the regime and its senior figures have no place are met.
The Commission will also work to reach out to all Syrian revolutionary and opposition entities around the world in a way that contributes to exchanging support and leading to ensuring the election of real representatives of the Syrian people. It will also seek to strengthen the principle of participation and cooperation with the social, civil and political forces inside and outside the country.
Forming this Commission is an important step on the road to a political solution. However, this move will not be sufficient unless a serious international position is taken to put an end to the ongoing criminal project in Syria and unless an action is taken that is based on UN Security Council resolutions to ensure the achievement of a political transition to good governance that guarantees the freedom and dignity of citizens and works on holding criminals accountable while seeking to care for and heal the wounds of the affected and victims.
