Syria is set to hold its first parliamentary elections under the new administration between September 15 and 20, 2025. The elections will fill 210 seats in the People's Assembly, with one-third of the seats to be appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. A new electoral law is under consideration to reflect these changes. The government has committed to ensuring broad representation, including in areas outside government control, such as Kurdish-held northern regions and the Druze-majority province of Sweida. It also plans to allow foreign observers to monitor the process.
The new assembly is expected to lay the groundwork for a broader democratic process, though critics argue current plans lack adequate minority representation. It will also be tasked with approving landmark legislation aimed at overhauling decades of state-controlled economic policies and ratifying treaties that could reshape Syria's foreign policy alliances. A temporary constitution signed by Sharaa in March called for a People's Committee to be set up to serve as an interim parliament until a permanent constitution is adopted and general elections held, a process that could take years. The move raised concerns from civic groups and Western nations about the....