Dictator confirmed by elections widely regarded as a farce hails 'fighting spirit' of nation torn asunder by war, says he'll be victorious no matter how many battles it takes

Russia lauds 'decisive victory' by Syrian dictator, rejects Western accusations of sham vote

No vote held in areas of worn-torn country controlled by rebels where at least 8 million displaced civilians live; 5 million refugees in neighboring countries refrain from voting

Vote in government-held areas has been decried as a sham by observers and Western countries, with no supervision and just 2 unknown figures running against president

Parliament speaker announces that the vote, likely to keep dictator Assad in power, will be held on May 26

Vote on parliament pushed from May to July 19 as Assad warns of 'catastrophe' if war-battered country lifts lockdown measures

Voting to be held in areas under Syrian government control for 3rd time since civil war began; UN refused to recognize results of last election