Syrian council elections to start April 21

Syrian President Hafez al-Assad on Tuesday issued four decrees regarding the election of governorate (Muhafaza) councils and city councils.

The first decree, no 16, defines the election date on Wednesday April 21. 1999. The second decree, no. 17, defines the number of the members of the governorate councils.

The third decree, no. 18, defines the rate of the representation of peasants, workers, artisans and low wage earners as well as other people's classes out of the seats allocated to each ballot center.

The fourth decree, no. 19, named certain administrative units as cities as per articles 1 and 5 of the local administration law.