Syria’s First Parliamentary Elections Under Sharaa: Urgent Developments

UPDATE: Syria held its first parliamentary elections on October 5, 2024, since the rise of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. This event marks a significant moment in the country’s turbulent political landscape, coming less than a year after the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024.

Only a few thousand Syrians participated in the elections through a tiered electoral college system, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the process. Critics argue that while elections were held, the power of the new assembly remains severely limited, continuing a tradition of authoritarianism. As the country grapples with the aftermath of civil conflict, the international community is watching closely.

Details: Approximately 6,000 delegates were selected to fill 119 of the 210 seats in the newly formed legislative body. The elections were organized by a Higher Election Committee appointed by Sharaa, but many locals expressed confusion over the process, indicating that the elections were more of a formality than a genuine democratic exercise. Reports suggest that the final selection of candidates was tightly controlled, leaving many Syrians unaware that an election was occurring.

In an interview, Adham Masoud al-Qaq, a candidate and former political prisoner, revealed that while he faced no direct threats during the election, it was apparent who would succeed prior to voting. “We could clearly sense that this or that person would win as a representative before the voting even took place,” Qaq stated.

The new assembly’s powers, as defined in a constitutional declaration issued by Sharaa in March, appear to be limited mostly to discussing bills proposed by the executive branch. Notably, it lacks the ability to trigger elections through a vote of no-confidence.

Context: The elections have been criticized as a façade, with political analysts asserting that the assembly lacks genuine authority. Radwan Ziadeh, a senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC, remarked, “You can’t really call these elections; it was more the formation of Syrian legislative power.”

The electoral process has faced challenges, including security issues and tensions between local authorities and the central government. Some constituencies have had their elections postponed indefinitely. Furthermore, Sharaa’s ability to appoint a significant number of seats underscores the controlled nature of this political transition.

As Sharaa engages in high-profile diplomatic meetings, including a recently concluded visit to Moscow and an upcoming meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on November 10, there is growing speculation about the future of Syria’s governance structure and its implications for the region.

Next Steps: The political landscape in Syria remains fraught with uncertainty, and the international community is poised to respond to the outcomes of these elections. Observers are particularly interested in how Sharaa will navigate the delicate balance between maintaining control and appeasing the public’s desire for reform.

Despite the apparent limitations of the election process, there were signs of civic engagement among candidates. Many expressed a yearning for a political system that allows for real participation and representation, a stark contrast to the oppressive environment under the Assad regime.

As Syria embarks on this new chapter, the world watches to see whether these efforts toward a more inclusive political process will bear fruit or remain a mere illusion.