Syria Conducts Its First Parliamentary Election Post-Assad Regime

For the first time since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria is holding parliamentary elections on Sunday. The new legislative body is set to consist of 210 members, with one-third of the seats being appointed by the interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa. Critics have raised concerns regarding the significant influence that al-Sharaa will wield over the parliament.

Rather than a universal vote where all citizens can participate, the process involves regional electoral committees that have appointed delegates to select the representatives. This method has drawn criticism for its lack of inclusivity. Results from the elections are anticipated to be announced on Monday or Tuesday.

Notably, elections have been postponed in the southern province of Sweida and parts of the northeastern provinces of Hasaka and Rakka due to security concerns. It remains uncertain how these regions will be represented in the new parliament.

The fall of Assad in December marked the end of over five decades of authoritarian rule by the Assad family. Currently, Syria, home to approximately 23 million people, is under the leadership of a transitional government headed by interim president al-Sharaa, who was a prominent leader of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) that led the rebellion against Assad. International observers are closely monitoring the elections, particularly regarding the representation of minority groups.