Syria holds parliamentary elections:President Ahmed al-Shara’s victory certain

The vote comes after interim President Ahmed al-Shara assumed power last December through a coup and promised these elections would mark the beginning of a 'democratic change'. However, the elections have drawn widespread criticism as the general public and political parties were excluded from the process.

Instead, 7,000 government-appointed electoral college members voted for 140 of the 210 seats in parliament. The remaining 70 seats will be directly appointed by President Shara to ensure representation of women, minorities, and allied groups.

Syria’s new parliament comprises 210 members. Two-thirds (140 seats) are voted on by the electoral college, while the president fills the remaining 70 seats.

Critics argue that this guarantees a permanent majority for the Shara government and undermines the notion of democratic representation.

The government justifies the exclusion of the public by citing challenges in preparing a census and voter list due to the civil war and widespread displacement. Millions of Syrians lack proper documentation, making a nationwide vote impossible.

Preliminary results of the election are expected on October 6, with final results to be announced in a joint press conference by President Shara on October 7. Observers predict a decisive victory for Shara’s supporters.

Support

·         Russia and China: Both countries have welcomed the elections as a necessary step toward stabilising Syria, arguing that a nationwide referendum is not feasible in a war-torn country.

·         Iran: Tehran considers the Shara government central to Syria’s reconstruction and stated that the elections ensure political continuity, with opposition inclusion expected over time.

Reactions

·         Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS): Active in northwestern Syria, HTS called the elections 'a drama of Damascus’s power,' criticising the lack of public participation.

·         Assad-backed factions: Bashar al-Assad’s party described the vote as a 'puppet election', alleging that Shara’s government is a Western-supported attempt to legitimize his rule.

·         International NGOs: Europe-based human rights organisations called the election 'administrative rather than democratic', noting that candidate selection and voting were fully controlled by the government.