Daijiworld Media Network – Damascus

Damascus, Oct 6: Syria on Sunday held its first parliamentary elections, marking a key step in the country’s post-Assad political transition nearly a year after rebel forces toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. The newly formed People’s Assembly will be responsible for drafting a new constitution and elections law as the war-torn nation seeks political stability after more than a decade of civil conflict.

Security forces were deployed around polling centres across the country, ensuring tight control during the voting process. Inside the stations, electoral college members filled out ballots listing candidates’ names before depositing them in sealed boxes, which were later opened and counted in the presence of candidates, scribes, and members of the Syrian Bar Association.

Unlike a direct popular vote, the 210-member assembly was chosen through a hybrid system — two-thirds of the seats (140) were filled through province-based electoral colleges, while the remaining one-third (70) were appointed directly by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The parliament will serve a 30-month term, during which it will prepare for broader national elections.

Elections were held in 60 districts, though polling was postponed indefinitely in Sweida province and areas under the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, owing to tensions between local administrations and Damascus.

“There are many pending laws that need to be voted on so that we move forward with the process of building and prosperity,” President al-Sharaa said while addressing the nation.

While the interim leadership hailed the elections as a step toward national reconstruction, critics argued that the electoral college system favours well-connected candidates and entrenches power within the transitional government, falling short of a fully democratic process.

For many Syrians, however, the elections — however limited — symbolize a cautious move toward political normalcy after years of war and authoritarian rule.