The post-Assad government says this is Syria’s big democratic reboot. Critics say it’s a remix of old politics — same song, different beat.
 |
Syria just rolled out what it’s calling its first post-Assad parliamentary election. But don’t let “first” fool you — there’s a lot that’s not normal here. Inclusivity, fairness, real representation — all under serious question.
What happened: the basics
-
Around 6,000 regional electors picked candidates from pre-approved lists to fill 119 seats out of a total 210. Xinhua News+3Reuters+3Reuters+3
-
The remaining 70 seats (≈ one third) will be appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. AP News+4Reuters+4Xinhua News+4
-
In some regions — particularly Kurdish-controlled areas and the Druze province (Sweida) — elections were postponed / suspended, leaving 21 seats empty. The Guardian+4Reuters+4Reuters+4
-
The authorities defend this indirect method, citing war, displacement, lack of reliable population data, and ongoing security concerns. Xinhua News+3Reuters+3AP News+3
What’s messed up (aka inclusivity & fairness doubts)
-
Of the 119 elected so far, only 6 women made the cut. That’s ~ 4–5 % female representation. Xinhua News+4Reuters+4Reuters+4
-
Religious & ethnic minorities are barely represented. Only a handful of seats went to Christians, Kurds, Turkmen, Ismailis, and Alawites. Xinhua News+4Reuters+4AP News+4
-
The appeal window (for candidates to challenge results) was super tight — critics say this limits scrutiny. Xinhua News+3Reuters+3AP News+3
-
Because many areas didn’t vote, large swaths of the population (especially in contested or autonomous zones) are left out. Xinhua News+4The Guardian+4AP News+4
-
The appointed seats give Sharaa a huge lever to shape the parliament. If he picks loyalists (vs true diversity), the “election” becomes a power consolidation tool. Al Jazeera+3Reuters+3Reuters+3
Why this matters
Legitimacy: If big parts of society feel excluded (women, minorities, certain regions), this parliament won’t be viewed as truly representative.
-
Risk of backlash / unrest: Syria is still fragile post-war. If communities feel silenced, tensions could flare.
-
Power concentration: With presidential appointments and tight control over candidate lists, real checks and balance may be weak or just an illusion.
-
Democracy in name only: This could set a pattern: “elections” exist, but real change or accountability doesn’t.
Voices from the ground + reactions
 |
Many Syrians are unaware of the first parliamentary election since Assad's fall |
-
Some Syrians never even knew an election was happening — no public campaigns, no posters, no debates. AP News+1
-
Minority candidates faced pressure, threats, and intimidation in several areas (e.g. in Latakia, Afrin). AP News+1
-
Syria’s transitional authorities call the process “transparent” and “inclusive” despite the gaps. Al Jazeera+3Xinhua News+3Reuters+3
-
But watchdogs, human rights groups, analysts are saying: “This is too centralized, too opaque, and too skewed in favor of elites.”
What to watch next
-
Who Sharaa appoints to the remaining 70 seats? That will show whether he’s genuinely trying for balance or just cementing control.
-
If and when elections are held for those 21 empty seats (in Kurdish / Druze / contested zones).
-
Whether future elections shift toward direct suffrage? (i.e. where all citizens can vote).
-
How minorities and women will push back / bargain for better representation.
-
Whether this parliament gets real power (passing laws, oversight) or becomes a rubber stamp?
Comments
Post a Comment