On October 5, 2025, elections for the 210-seat Interim People's Assembly were held in Syria. This event marked a significant milestone in the country's political transition following more than a decade of civil war and the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime in December 2024. The new legislative assembly received a 30-month mandate.
Elections were postponed in Suwayda Governorate and areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including Raqqa and Hasakah Governorates, due to ongoing tensions. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa emphasized the need to pass laws for the country's reconstruction and prosperity, calling for the collective contribution of all Syrians.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the elections were held without incident, with security at polling stations ensured.
The elections are indirect. Political parties do not participate, and there is no public campaigning. The electoral system itself is complex. Back in the summer, al-Shara'a's government created a Supreme Committee, which then appointed so-called subcommittees in each of the country's 62 electoral districts. By September, these subcommittees had created so-called electoral colleges representing the districts. On October 5, these 6,000 electors elected 140 of the 210 members of the People's Council. The remaining 70 members were directly appointed by al-Shara'a.
In September, 14 Syrian civil society organizations expressed concern that al-Shara'a would thus have direct influence over the composition of parliament.
"This structure leaves parliament vulnerable to a balance of power that does not reflect the will of the voters and undermines its supposed representative nature, allowing the executive to dominate an institution that should be independent and reflect the will of the people," their joint statement read.
They also stated that the president's direct and indirect influence on the Higher Committee and electoral colleges makes the elections "symbolic at best, devoid of their democratic purpose of ensuring representation and accountability."
The international community, including the United States, is closely monitoring Syria's delicate geopolitical landscape and the challenges of rebuilding the country and ensuring genuine representation for all its citizens. Despite procedural steps, the true impact of these elections on Syria's democratic future remains uncertain and will depend on genuine reforms and the will of the Syrian people.