Presidential elections in Syria

Regarding this sudden permission for candidates to oppose Bashshar: does that mean that since 1970, there has not been one qualified Syrian who could run for the presidency but that the regime has just stumbled on qualified candidates?  Of course, I will be at the edge of my seat on election night watching the results with great anticipation.  Finally, the SSNP in Syria is supporting Bashshar: does that mean that the SSNP is acknowledging that they have not one single qualified candidate and for that they are relying on the Ba`thist candidate?