Syria Holds First Post-Assad Parliamentary Elections amid Restrictions

DID Press: Syria held its first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on Sunday, October 5, under conditions marked by significant limitations, including the exclusion of Kurdish regions and Suwayda province, a non-direct electoral system, and direct government appointments to a portion of parliamentary seats. Observers say the vote appears more aimed at consolidating the new ruling authority than promoting democracy.

Ten months after the Assad government was toppled by rebel groups led by Ahmad Al-Shara, Syria conducted its first parliamentary vote in a drastically altered political landscape. From the outset, the process faced serious criticism and skepticism.

According to the electoral committee, roughly one-third of the 210 parliamentary seats (70 seats) will be directly appointed by Ahmad Al-Shara, while the remaining members are chosen through a multi-stage process. Syrian citizens do not vote directly for candidates; instead, government-appointed regional committees select local electoral councils, which then determine the members of parliament.

The elections are taking place only in parts of Syrian territory. Autonomous Kurdish regions in Raqqa and Hasakah, as well as Suwayda province—which has recently experienced intense clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze community—are excluded from the voting process.

Additionally, the electoral committee has barred participation by individuals who collaborated with the previous government, have criminal records, or lacked Syrian citizenship before 2011. Candidates under 25 years of age or those supporting separatist movements are also prohibited from running.