Syria holds first parliamentary elections since Assad’s ouster
New system gives committees control over majority of seats, with president appointing remaining MPs
DAMASCUS, Syria (MNTV) — Syrians began voting in the country’s first parliamentary elections on Monday since the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad, marking a key step in the transitional process led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s government.
The elections will decide the makeup of the 210-member People’s Assembly, with voting scheduled to continue through Saturday.
Under the new system, local electoral colleges will select two-thirds of the parliament, while President al-Sharaa will directly appoint the remaining 70 representatives. Officials indicated the voting period could be extended if needed.
Seats are being distributed based on governorate populations. However, balloting will not take place in the Druze-majority Suweida province or in the Kurdish-controlled governorates of Raqqa and Hasakah, leaving 19 seats vacant due to ongoing disputes with the central government.
The absence of voting in these regions underscores Damascus’ difficulty in reintegrating areas wary of Islamist influence, particularly after recent sectarian violence in coastal regions and Suweida.
Both Druze and Kurdish communities have voiced concerns about the role of Islamists within the transitional government.
Critics have questioned whether the committee-based electoral system ensures inclusivity and transparency, arguing that it limits direct citizen participation.
Government officials defended the model, citing the fragile security environment, demographic pressures, and logistical challenges amid widespread displacement.
They emphasized that a nationwide popular vote is not feasible while millions of Syrians remain displaced and the government is still in transition.
In March, al-Sharaa ratified an interim constitution outlining a five-year transitional period that will culminate in presidential elections.
The framework grants the president significant authority over legislative approval, parliamentary appointments, and judicial oversight during this phase.
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