In brief
Syria prepares for its first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, with significant concerns about inclusivity and electoral processes. Elections will not occur in provinces with security issues, raising questions about representation. More than 1,500 candidates will be vying for seats, but electoral critics warn of the elections' lack of democratic substance due to presidential influence.
Syria will hold its first parliamentary elections on Sunday since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, amid concerns over inclusivity and successive delays.
There will be no direct vote for the People's Assembly, which will be responsible for legislation during a transitional period. Instead, 'electoral colleges' will select representatives for two-thirds of the 210 seats, with interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointing the rest.
Long-time former President Assad was ousted by Sharaa's forces 10 months ago after a 13-year civil war. Authorities say they have postponed polls for security reasons in two Kurdish-controlled provinces and a third which saw deadly fighting among government forces and Druze militias.
The clashes, in July, marked the latest outbreak of sectarian violence in Syria since Assad's overthrow. In a speech at the UN General Assembly last week - the first by a Syrian president in 60 years - Sharaa promised to bring to justice everyone responsible for the bloodshed, as well as those who committed atrocities under Assad.
He pledged that Syria was now 'rebuilding itself through establishing a new state, building institutions and laws that guarantee the rights of all without exception.'
Sunday's polls are overseen by the Higher Committee for the Syrian People's Assembly Elections, whose members were chosen by the president. Consequently, over 1,500 candidates, all electoral college members, are expected to compete, with at least 20% required to be women, though there are no minimum quotas for female lawmakers or for the country's ethnic and religious diversity.
Sharaa defends the election format, citing challenges due to the large number of documents lost and millions of refugees who have not returned. Political analysts and representatives from civil society express skepticism, labeling the elections as 'symbolic' and lacking genuine democratic principles.
Overall, the electoral process has been marked by frustration and skepticism amongst citizens, many of whom feel disconnected from the new political landscape being shaped in Syria.
