1. It Is a clear expression of fake democracy. The term "free election" doesn't entirely make sense in a country where any distinction between the ruling party and the government has been almost completely erased. Syria is considered a unitary republic with a semi-presidential style of government. However, the controlling parties practice a highly authoritarian regime with most of the political power in the AL-Assad family's hands. People doesn't have more option if the want to "live".
2. If I live in that country, I think I feel like a hostage. Elections over there aren't free, and they're certainly not fair. The resulting optics are not democratic enough. They buy the government a minimum of democratic credibility abroad without seriously imperiling its hold on power.
