The country’s electoral commission made the announcement on Saturday as preparations were underway to make the vote a success.

"The president of the foreign ministry's central electoral committee said that voting took place in 43 embassies of the Syrian Arab Republic, and the participation rate by registered voters had exceeded 95 percent," official SANA news agency said.

On Friday, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad expressed thanks to the nation’s citizens residing abroad for their active participation in the country’s presidential election which was held early for expatriates in Syrian embassies in nations across the world.

Some countries, however, have dismissed the election.

Syrian First Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad accused the countries of "violating all conventions and human rights."

Meanwhile, Lebanon announced that Syrian refugees would lose their refugee status if they return home ahead of the election.

According to Syria’s Interior Ministry officials, nearly 16 million Syrians are eligible to vote in the upcoming presidential poll.

Syria has been gripped by deadly violence since March 2011. Over 160,000 people have reportedly been killed and millions displaced due to the violence fueled by the foreign-backed militants.

NTJ/HH