Syria has concluded its first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar Assad’s government. The polls, which took place on Sunday, saw between 7,000 and 8,000 people selected by the Central Electoral Commission of the Syrian Arab Republic choose 140 members of parliament. The remaining 70 representatives of the 210-member body will be appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The final list of elected members is expected to be announced on Monday.

Over 1,500 candidates, including more than 200 women, contested the assembly, which will have a renewable 30-month mandate. However, the Kurdish-held northeast and Southern Syria’s Druze-majority Sweida province were excluded from the process due to being outside Damascus’s control. As a result, 32 seats will remain empty.

The incoming parliament will exercise legislative functions until a permanent constitution is adopted and new elections are held, as outlined in a temporary constitution announced in March. The decision to hold elections was made despite the challenges posed by the war, which has led to the displacement of millions of Syrians. Interim President al-Sharaa has previously stated that direct elections were not feasible at present.

The development comes after US President Donald Trump met with al-Sharaa in May and announced the lifting of sanctions, most of which had been imposed during Assad’s rule. Al-Sharaa welcomed the move, describing it as a “historic and courageous decision” that would alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and contribute to stability in the region.

The elections mark a significant step in Syria’s transition process, with the new parliament set to play a key role in shaping the country’s future. The international community will be watching closely as the situation unfolds, with the hope that stability and peace can be restored to the war-torn nation.