Syria Holds First Parliament Vote After Assad's Ouster Amid Inclusivity Concerns

Post by : Monika

Syria is preparing to establish its first parliament since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad. This significant event marks a step toward rebuilding the country after years of civil war. However, the process has raised concerns about political inclusivity and representation for all Syrians.

The Voting Process

The new parliament will consist of 210 seats. An indirect voting system will be used, where regional electoral colleges, made up of 6,000 electors, will choose two-thirds of the seats. The remaining third will be appointed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a former rebel leader who took power after Assad's ousting in December 2024. The elections are scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025.

The indirect voting system was chosen due to challenges such as a lack of reliable population data and the displacement of millions of Syrians during the war. Additionally, elections in Kurdish-led areas in the northeast and the Druze-majority province of Sweida have been postponed for security and political reasons, leaving 19 seats vacant.

Concerns About Inclusivity

Critics argue that the current process does not adequately represent all segments of Syrian society. The absence of elections in certain regions means that many Syrians will have no direct say in the formation of the new government.

Moreover, the centralized nature of the voting system and the president's power to appoint a significant portion of the parliament have raised questions about the true extent of political inclusivity.

Women and minority groups also express concerns about their representation. While some electoral districts have at least 20% female candidates, others have fewer than 10%, and no formal quotas are in place to ensure gender balance. This lack of guaranteed representation for women and minorities could undermine the legitimacy of the new parliament in the eyes of many citizens.

The Role of President Ahmed al-Sharaa

President Sharaa, who leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has been central to the transition process. His leadership has been both praised for ending Assad's rule and criticized for the manner in which the transition is being managed.

Some observers fear that the concentration of power in the hands of the president and his allies may replicate the authoritarian practices of the previous regime.

The international community is closely monitoring Syria's transition. The United Nations has urged the new leadership to ensure an inclusive political process that represents all Syrians, including ethnic and religious minorities.

The success of the new parliament will depend on its ability to build trust among the diverse populations of Syria and to address the grievances of those who feel excluded from the political process.

Looking Ahead

The establishment of a new parliament is a crucial step in Syria's journey toward stability and reconstruction. However, for this transition to be successful, it is essential that the new government is inclusive and representative of all Syrians. Ensuring fair representation for women, minorities, and all regions will be key to building a democratic and unified Syria.

As the country moves forward, it will be important for the new leadership to engage with all communities, address their concerns, and work towards a political system that reflects the diverse fabric of Syrian society. Only through such inclusive efforts can Syria hope to achieve lasting peace and prosperity.