President Bashar al - Assad widely expected to be returned to power in upcoming elections . West and Syrian rebels claim large swathes of war - torn country wo n't be able to vote . But when it comes to fighting Syria 's civil war , Nouri says he would n't do anything differently -- and much like Assad Nearly 3 million have fled Syria ; another 6.5 million have been internally displaced by war . Opposition presidential candidate says election only valid if at least 50 percent of Syrian votes .
President Bashar al - Assad widely expected to be returned to power in upcoming elections . West and Syrian rebels claim large swathes of war - torn country wo n't be able to vote . Nearly 3 million have fled Syria ; another 6.5 million have been internally displaced by war . Opposition presidential candidate says election only valid if at least 50 percent of Syrian votes .