Damascus: Syria marked a historic milestone on Sunday as members of the electoral colleges gathered to cast their ballots in the country’s first parliamentary election since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. The vote, conducted indirectly through 6,000 electors, reflects the nation’s cautious steps toward political transition under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power following a rebel offensive in December 2024 that toppled Assad’s regime.
The indirect vote, running from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time, will determine two-thirds of the 210-seat parliament, while Sharaa retains the authority to appoint the remaining one-third. The authorities cited practical challenges such as displacement of millions and unreliable population data as reasons for the limited electoral process. Public electioneering was minimal, with no visible posters or campaigns in major cities, highlighting a controlled political environment.
Security and political considerations led to postponed votes in three provinces with substantial minority populations, including Kurdish-majority and Druze regions, leaving 19 seats temporarily vacant. Critics have denounced the indirect and partially restricted system as unrepresentative, arguing it centralizes control in the hands of Sharaa and limits public participation. Analysts note that the president’s appointed lawmakers could either enhance diversity by including women and minorities or consolidate Sharaa’s legislative power.
A committee appointed by Sharaa vetted 1,570 candidates, who presented their platforms through seminars and debates. While the new parliament is set for a 30-month term, its effectiveness and legitimacy hinge on both the elected representatives and the president’s selections. Observers view this period as critical for Syria’s fragile post-conflict reconstruction and the establishment of a more inclusive governance structure.
As Syria embarks on this uncharted political path, the international community watches closely, emphasizing the need for transparency, inclusivity, and respect for democratic norms. The outcome of this election will serve as a benchmark for Syria’s ability to balance stability, representation, and reconciliation in a nation still recovering from 14 years of war and sectarian strife.
The Sunday vote, though limited in scope, represents a symbolic break from the Assad era and a tentative step toward rebuilding Syria’s legislative institutions, offering hope for a future marked by gradual political normalization.