Syria is preparing to conduct parliamentary elections this Sunday, marking the first such elections since the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. During the Assad dynasty’s five-decade reign, elections were held regularly, but the Baath Party, led by Assad, consistently dominated the parliament, rendering the voting process as largely symbolic.
The upcoming elections will not be fully democratic either, as most People’s Assembly seats will be determined by electoral colleges in each district, with one-third directly appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Despite lacking a direct popular vote, the election outcome is expected to reflect the interim authorities’ commitment to inclusivity, particularly regarding women and minorities.
The People’s Assembly consists of 210 seats, with two-thirds slated for election and the remaining one-third to be appointed. Electoral colleges in various districts across the country will vote for candidates, with some areas like Sweida province and parts of the northeast facing delays in their election process.
Following Assad’s removal, existing political parties were dissolved, and candidates are running as individuals since new party registration systems are not yet established. The current parliament’s 30-month term aims to pave the way for a future popular vote, addressing challenges like accurate voter registration amid widespread displacement due to the country’s civil war.
Critics have raised concerns about the lack of clear criteria for elector selection, potential vulnerabilities to manipulation, and questions about inclusivity, specifically regarding representation of women and minority groups. While efforts have been made to involve women in the electoral process, concerns persist about the exclusion of certain regions and communities, signaling ongoing challenges in achieving broader political representation in Syria.
