Syrian leader institutes temporary electoral system for parliamentary elections
In a significant political development, Syria has announced plans for its first parliamentary elections under the new political order. The exact timeline for the voting remains undisclosed, but preparations are already underway.
According to Mohammad al-Ahmad, head of the Supreme Committee for the People's Assembly Elections, the nomination process is set to begin immediately. The constituencies have been divided into 62 districts where the nomination and election process will take place.
The decree, numbered 143 of 2025, outlines the framework for electing members to the People's Assembly, Syria's parliament. The electoral system establishes demographic and administrative criteria for forming electoral bodies across Syria's governorates.
Under the new system, two-thirds of the 210 members will be elected through constituency-based voting, while one-third will be appointed directly by the president.
To ensure the integrity and independence of the election process, a Supreme Electoral Commission has been established, based in Damascus. Subordinate commissions will manage elections at the district level. These committees are expected to operate with "full neutrality" in executing their responsibilities.
The new electoral system also includes provisions for appeals processes. Higher, subsidiary, and legal committees have been established to oversee various aspects of the voting process.
The preparations for these elections are taking place amidst Syria's most significant political transformation in decades. The collapse of the Assad government in December 2024 led to Bashar al-Assad's departure to Russia, ending the Ba'ath Party's six-decade rule.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa issued a decree establishing a temporary electoral system for Syria's parliament. The transitional administration, led by Al-Sharaa, received the final draft of the temporary electoral system in late July.
The committee will start receiving proposals for the membership of electoral bodies in the newly divided districts, leading up to the election, vote counting, and announcement of results. The electoral preparations are expected to be closely monitored to ensure transparency and independence in the electoral process.
