Syria Conducts Initial Legislative Polls After the Fall of the Former Leader
Syria is organizing its first-ever legislative polls after the removal of its longtime ruler, marking a cautious move toward electoral democracy that are under scrutiny due to alleged partiality toward the country's interim leadership.
Transitional Parliament Selection
While the conflict-ravaged country moves along its governmental shift following the former regime, regional council representatives are starting the important step of selecting a provisional legislative body.
33% of the legislative spots are to be designated by the interim leader in an action viewed as reinforcing his authority. The other 67% will be chosen using territorial voting assemblies, with representation distributed according to population.
Election Mechanism Facts
Direct popular voting was not implemented because provisional officials indicated the extensive movement of population and paper disappearance amid fighting eras would cause this action impractical at this stage.
"There are multiple awaiting bills that must be passed so we can advance with development and prosperity efforts. Rebuilding Syria represents a shared responsibility, and the entire population should participate in this effort."
The interim authorities dissolved Syria's previous approval-only assembly upon gaining control.
Legislative Body Structure
The recently created 210-seat body, named the Popular Assembly, will be responsible for passing fresh voting laws and foundational law. According to organizational committees, exceeding 1,500 aspirants – merely 14% female representation – are competing for seats in the parliament, which will work having a renewable two-and-half-year mandate while arranging subsequent polls.
Eligibility Criteria
Following set rules, potential candidates must not support the former regime and cannot encourage secession or partition.
Among those running stands a dual-national the candidate Hamra, the pioneering Jewish nominee in over eight decades.
Regional Election Postponements
Electoral activities were suspended indefinitely within Sweida's Druze-dominated area and in territories controlled by Kurdish-led forces due to ongoing tensions involving area administrations and national leadership.
Mixed Reactions
Skeptics maintain the representative voting process might benefit influential figures, giving the transitional government disproportionate influence while sidelining certain ethnic and religious minorities. But, for some analysts, the poll signaled a positive development.
Individual Accounts
Upon receiving an invitation from poll organizers to participate in the delegate body, Dr. Daaboul, a medical practitioner from Damascus, said she first refused, fearing the responsibility and unfavorable image of previous assemblies. However upon learning her role would only involve as part of the voting body, she accepted, describing it as "a patriotic responsibility".
During voting day, Daaboul expressed: "This represents my debut electoral participation in my existence. I'm content, and I don't mind waiting in extended queues."
Official Lara, a national elections committee representative in Damascus, noted that the new assembly incorporates every faith group and demographic sections and called it "the historic first occasion in Syrian history where ballot boxes genuinely govern – when outcomes aren't predetermined".
Former soldier Halabi, once employed during the former regime but defected following massive anti-government protests that faced brutal suppression and sparked internal conflict in 2011, commented: "This demonstrates the first instance during our existence we've taken part in an open election mechanism without external pressure."