Syrian Parliament Holds First Session Since Assad's Fall Amid Controversial Election Process

For the first time since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, Syria's new parliament convened its inaugural session on Sunday in Damascus. The session was attended by 206 of the 210 members, with the remaining seats reserved for the Druze stronghold of As-Suwayda, where elections were postponed due to security concerns, and one seat vacant following the death of a member from Idlib. The parliamentarians took their oaths in the presence of President Ahmad al-Sharaa, the head of the Supreme Election Committee Muhammad Tah al-Ahmad, and several ministers.

Two-thirds of the parliament members were elected by public representatives appointed in each province, while approximately 70 members were directly appointed by President al-Sharaa, reflecting the current electoral system. The parliament elected Abd al-Hamid al-Awaq, a constitutional law academic from Al-Hasakah province, as its speaker with 99 votes out of 206. He was elected over two other candidates, Mouaid al-Qablani and Muhammad Ramiz Khurj, who received 75 and 31 votes respectively. The parliament also elected two deputy speakers: Madona Bashara, a civil engineering academic and civil society activist from Latakia, as second deputy, and Mustafa Mousa from Idlib as first deputy. Mouaid Habib was chosen as parliament secretary.

President al-Sharaa described the parliament's convening as a "significant national milestone" aimed at strengthening consultation, responsibility, and state institutions based on dialogue and rule of law. The parliament includes 22 women, seven elected and 15 appointed by the president. Critics argue the election process is controlled by the regime, noting that the majority of members were not directly elected by the Syrian people. The electoral system divides Syria into 60 provinces with seat allocations based on population size, but elections were not held in some regions due to ongoing conflict and displacement.

Social media attention focused on the attire of two female parliamentarians: Kurdish member Fasla Youssef, who wore traditional Kurdish dress, and Mirfat Sabhi Tatu, who wore a niqab. Tatu is the widow of Osama Namoura, founder of Jabhat al-Nusra in Aleppo and later part of opposition forces, killed in a 2016 airstrike reportedly by the US. The parliament also includes Rosina Lazkani, a well-known Syrian actress from Hama, appointed by al-Sharaa.

The Assad family ruled Syria for 53 years, with elections previously seen as a formality dominated by the Baath party. After Assad's fall, al-Sharaa promised a new political future with greater public participation. However, the October 2023 elections did not involve a nationwide popular vote. The current parliament's term is set for 30 months with possible extension, functioning as the legislative authority until a permanent constitution and elections are established. The parliament's powers are limited, and the government is not required to seek its confidence.

The election postponement in As-Suwayda and Kurdish-controlled northeast Syria, along with the appointment-heavy system, reflect ongoing instability and regime control. Reuters cited officials explaining the system as necessary due to war-related displacement and lack of reliable voter data. Critics maintain the process consolidates regime dominance over the legislature.