Why Syria’s Election Marks a Turning Point for Assad

Syria is holding parliamentary elections on Sunday. This is the first vote since Bashar Assad was ousted. The elections mark a new political phase for the country.

The interim government is overseeing the process. It aims to establish a legislative body after years of civil war. The results will be closely watched by international observers.

How the New Electoral System Functions

The People’s Assembly will have 210 seats. About 120 of these will be elected by electoral colleges. The remaining seats will be appointed by the interim president.

Voting will not be a direct popular vote. Instead, around 6,000 electoral college members will cast ballots. This system was chosen due to the massive displacement of citizens and lost documentation.

According to Reuters, this approach has drawn criticism. Some analysts question the selection criteria for electors. The lack of oversight creates potential for manipulation.

Challenges of Inclusivity and Representation

A major concern is the representation of women and minorities. There are no set quotas for these groups in the new parliament. Women constitute only 14 percent of the final candidate lists.

Elections in Sweida province and Kurdish-held northeast areas are postponed. This exclusion raises serious questions about national inclusivity. The ongoing disputes with local authorities remain a significant barrier.

The appointed seats are meant to improve diversity. The president can select members to balance the elected assembly. However, this may not fully address the underlying political tensions.

This transitional election is a critical test for Syria’s political future. The new parliament’s legitimacy will depend on its perceived fairness and inclusivity. The world is watching this pivotal Syria parliamentary election closely.

Thought you’d like to know

Why is there no popular vote in this election?

The interim authorities state a popular vote is currently impossible. Millions of Syrians are displaced and lack proper documentation. An accurate voter registry cannot be created under these conditions.

How long will this new parliament serve?

The elected assembly will have a 30-month term. During this period, the government must prepare for a future popular vote. This is considered a transitional phase.

Are there any female candidates running?

Yes, women make up 14 percent of the 1,578 candidates. This follows a rule that 20 percent of electoral college members must be women. Representation varies significantly by district.

What happens to regions not participating?

Seats for Sweida and Kurdish-controlled areas will remain empty. The president may appoint representatives from these regions. However, the core political disputes are not resolved by this.

How were the electoral colleges chosen?

Committees appointed by the government selected college members from district applicants. The process lacked independent oversight. Some names were removed from initial lists without public explanation.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press