(Image source: BBC)

BY STEVEN SPARKMAN

ANCHOR ZACH TOOMBS

While the situation in Syria worsening, the government held a referendum on a new constitution — one which it says introduces democracy to the country. Here’s euronews with details.

“If approved, President Bashar al-Assad has promised to hold parliamentary elections within 90 days. The constitution would allow for a multi-party contest and an active presidential limit of two seven-year terms.”

The government touts the referendum as a move toward comprehensive reform.

State-run media ran photos and video of voters at polling stations, saying the constitution reflects the will of the people. They say the new constitution enshrines political pluralism and free expression, and that Syrians were excited at taking part in shaping their future. (Source: SANA)

But Syrian opposition groups have called for a boycott of the referendum, demanding an end to Assad’s rule. IBN Live reports, the new constitution leaves Assad in power for the foreseeable future.

“The negatives of the draft constitution are that it gives two terms of seven years each to the president, meaning current president Bashar al-Assad, with 12 years behind him, could well carry on for 14 years more.”

What’s more, the referendum is taking place while the government continues to shell the city of Homs.

Activists say government troops killed at least 100 people across the country just a day before the polls opened. An Al Jazeera correspondent says — it’s hard to see how the vote could have any legitimacy. (Video source: LiveLeak)

“It’s patently impossible to organize a referendum of this importance when many thousands of Assad opponents are cowering from shellfire, unable to leave home, let alone cast a vote. That by itself will render the result meaningless.”

Many in the West have already pronounced the vote a sham. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called it a “phony referendum” designed to deflect international criticism. And a BBC correspondent says it’s main purpose is to provide political cover for the violent crackdown.

“But President Assad seems confident that with backing from Russia and China, he can continue crushing defiance while holding out promises of a democratic future which his critics just don’t believe.”