Syria Edges Toward Political Rebuild with Indirect-Appointment-Based Polls

On Sunday, Syria conducted its parliamentary elections since the ousting of long-time autocrat Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. While not a fully democratic process, the vote marks a significant step toward political restructuring under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former rebel commander.

The newly established parliament operates under a hybrid model, combining indirect elections and presidential appointments. Of the 210 seats in the People’s Assembly, 140 were filled through indirect voting by around 6,000 electors across 60 constituencies, while 70 seats were directly appointed by President al-Sharaa, who emphasized including technocrats to ensure diverse representation. Full-fledged nationwide elections are expected to be held once stability returns to all regions, though no exact date has been announced.

Due to 14 years of civil war, several areas continue to experience instability. Elections were postponed in minority-held provinces, including Hasakah, Deir ez-Zor, and Idlib, leaving 19 seats vacant. Massive displacement of people during the conflict also complicated the process, as many voters could not access the required documents, making participation difficult.

The process faced criticism regarding inclusivity and representation. Only 14% of candidates were women, and there were no formal quotas to ensure equitable participation. Analysts warned that the president’s appointment powers could be used to consolidate authority rather than promote inclusivity. Public engagement was low in Damascus and other major cities, with many citizens unaware that elections were taking place and limited campaigning visible.

Despite these challenges, the elections mark a step toward a participatory political system in Syria. The success of this new parliament will depend on addressing questions of inclusivity, legitimacy, and the eventual conduct of full-fledged elections across all provinces once stability and access to documentation for voters are ensured.