Syria conflict: Assad election plan 'parody of democracy'

The United States and its Western allies have denounced plans for a presidential election in Syria in the midst of civil war.

The government announced a presidential election will take place on 3 June, with President Bashar al-Assad expected to seek a third seven-year term.

White House spokesman Jay Carney described the presidential election plan as a "parody of democracy" that would have no credibility in or outside Syria.