KURDWATCH, July 30, 2011—The Syrian government passed a new electoral law on July 26, 2011. In the future, a High Electoral Commission composed of judges located in Damascus will take over the entire electoral process. Until now, the government has been responsible for the electoral process, with the Ministry of the Interior being responsible for national elections and the Ministry for Local Administration responsible for regional elections. The stateless Kurds (ajanib) nationalized according to Decree 49 of April 7, 2011 will also be permitted to vote and stand for office under the new voting law.