Syrians Cast Their Votes in Blood for Assad Heir

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syrians kissed Bashar Assad’s hands and cheeks, hugged him and smeared voting cards with their blood to show their loyalty during a nationwide referendum Monday, the last formality before the former ophthalmologist succeeds his father as head of state.

The polling, orchestrated by the ruling Baath Party, was held exactly one month after the death of Assad’s father, Hafez Assad, who ruled Syria with an iron grip for 30 years. When Bashar Assad takes office after a swearing-in ceremony July 17, it will be the first time a son succeeds his father as president in a post-colonial Arab “republic.”

The result of the referendum, to be announced today, is a foregone conclusion. Like his father, who received between 99.6% and 99.99% of the ballots in four of five referendums, Bashar Assad is expected to receive an overwhelming endorsement from voters.

“Our blood and our children belong to Bashar Assad,” said Rose Boghos, a school principal. “He’s our choice for a prosperous future.”

Unlike previous referendums, when voters danced and sang outside polling stations, there were hardly any signs of jubilation because the 40-day mourning for Hafez Assad has not yet ended.

About 9.44 million Syrians age 18 or older--more than half the population--are eligible to vote. They have a choice of marking a green ring that says “yes” or a gray one signifying “no.”

Instead of using pens, some voters pricked their thumbs with sewing needles provided by voting officials and smeared blood to mark their ballots.