Syria is set to hold its first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of former ruler Bashar al‑Assad on October 5, according to the country’s Supreme Electoral Commission. The new parliament will comprise 210 members, a significant increase from the 150‑seat body that existed under al‑Assad’s rule. One‑third of these seats will be appointed by interim President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, a provision that has drawn criticism over the potential influence of the interim president on the legislature. Under al‑Assad, the parliament was dominated by the Baath Party and its allies, which automatically held two‑thirds of the seats.
The elections have been scheduled amid uncertainty about the voting process, particularly in three provinces—Sweida, al‑Hasakah and Raqqa—where polls were postponed indefinitely in August for security reasons. As the election date approaches, attention will focus on how the vote is conducted in these areas and on the overall transparency of the process. The Syrian Supreme Electoral Commission will oversee the elections, but many details of the voting procedure remain unclear.
International organisations and civil‑society representatives will be permitted to observe the elections in coordination with the electoral commission, providing a degree of oversight. The vote comes at a pivotal moment as Syria transitions toward a new political landscape, with a population of roughly 23 million people. The outcome is expected to shape the country’s future, with the new parliament playing a crucial role in governance. The international community will be watching closely, hoping the election marks a significant step toward stability and democracy. With the polls scheduled for early October, the coming weeks will be critical in determining Syria’s direction.
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