Syria’s First Post-Assad Election Highlights Gaps in Representation

Syria has released the results of its first parliamentary election since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad. The vote is a milestone in the country’s fragile political transition and was organized under a new legal framework by the Supreme Election Committee.

The new People’s Assembly has expanded to 210 seats. Two-thirds were filled through indirect voting by regional electoral colleges, and the remaining third will be appointed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The process aimed to increase inclusivity, with targets for women’s participation and youth engagement.

However, the results have sparked criticism. Of the 119 elected members, only 4% are women, and just two seat are won by Christians candidates. . The assembly is largely dominated by Sunni Muslim men. Electoral commission spokesperson Nawar Najmeh admitted the outcome does not reflect the social and political role of women and minorities in Syria.

Voting was postponed in several areas outside government control, including Kurdish-held regions in the north and northeast and the Druze-majority province of Suwayda. This left 21 seats unfilled. Residents in these areas have rejected the elections as unrepresentative. In contrast, some voters in cities like Damascus and Aleppo expressed cautious optimism, viewing the election as a possible step forward.