Syria is set to hold its first parliamentary elections on Sunday since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa last December. This event follows a 13-year civil conflict that resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. The elections will not involve a direct vote for the People’s Assembly, which will have legislative responsibilities during the transitional phase. Instead, representatives will be chosen by “electoral colleges” for two-thirds of the total 210 seats, with the remaining seats appointed by Sharaa.
The elections have faced delays attributed to security concerns in Kurdish-controlled provinces and in areas affected by recent sectarian violence. Following deadly clashes in July, authorities postponed the electoral process in Raqqa, Hassakeh, and Suweida, leaving only 50 out of 60 districts participating in the selection for about 120 seats.
Over 1,500 candidates will run, all of whom must belong to the electoral colleges. Those linked to the former regime or advocating for foreign intervention are barred from candidacy. While female representation is mandated to be at least 20% in electoral colleges, there are no minimum quotas for female lawmakers or other ethnic and religious minorities in the Assembly. The president will appoint representatives for 70 seats.
Critics, including 14 civil society groups, have expressed concerns that the president’s influence could shape the Parliament’s composition, potentially undermining its independence. The president defended the electoral structure as necessary due to lost documentation and the large number of Syrian refugees who remain outside the country. The ongoing security challenges in regions like Raqqa and Hassakeh continue to raise questions about the inclusivity and legitimacy of the electoral process.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czrpx1vvr45o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss