DAMASCUS: Syria will hold its first parliamentary elections since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s government, the country’s Higher Committee for Elections announced on Monday.
According to officials, Syrians will go to the polls on October 5 to elect members of the People’s Assembly across all electoral districts. The body will consist of 21 seats, with one-third of the members to be appointed by interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa. The remaining seats will be filled by direct voting.
The announcement marks a significant step in Syria’s political transition following more than a decade of conflict and authoritarian rule. While the exact framework for the elections has yet to be fully detailed, authorities have pledged transparency and broad participation.
Local political groups cautiously welcomed the development, calling it an opportunity to rebuild political institutions, though many expressed skepticism about whether the elections will be free and fair. Civil society activists emphasized the importance of independent monitoring to ensure credibility.
Regional observers say the vote could set the stage for a new balance of power in Damascus and beyond, but challenges remain. The country still faces deep political divides, humanitarian needs, and ongoing security concerns in certain provinces.
International reaction has been mixed. Some Western governments urged inclusive participation, while others withheld judgment, noting that the real test will be whether the elections open space for genuine opposition voices.
The October polls will be the first attempt at parliamentary democracy in Syria after Assad’s departure, making them a key milestone in the nation’s uncertain political future.
