Syrian opposition meets in Istanbul to elect prime minister

The Syrian opposition on Monday met in Istanbul to elect a prime minister which should run an interim government for the territory that was freed from regime control.

Members of the opposition Syrian National Coalition attended the meeting, which is recognised by dozens of countries and organisations as a legitimate representative of the Syrian people.

Coalition members have warned there is no guarantee the group will reach a consensus at this meeting. Several previous attempts at setting up an interim government have been postponed.

The vote by 73 coalition members for a prime minister is due to take place Monday or Tuesday.

A former agriculture minister, an economist and a communications executive lead the race in a meeting that could change the course of Syria’s conflict.