Syria conducted a parliamentary selection process on Sunday that critics dismissed as undemocratic, with interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa appointing one-third of the 210-member assembly. More than 1,500 candidates competed for 140 seats through local committees, but voting excluded the Kurdish-held northeast and Druze-majority Sweida province, where sectarian violence erupted in July. The 32 seats designated for these regions will remain vacant.
Human rights groups criticized the process for allowing Sharaa to control the parliamentary majority through appointments and the selection of loyal candidates. Activists warned the assembly risks becoming a rubber-stamp body similar to those under Bashar Assad's rule. Sharaa defended the indirect system as necessary because millions of Syrians lack identification documents after years of displacement.
The transitional parliament will serve a renewable 30-month term under a temporary constitution. Damascus residents showed little interest in the selection, with streets remaining quiet and minimal campaign activity. Critics question whether Sharaa will fulfill promises of future direct elections or consolidate power before drafting a permanent constitution.
Human rights groups criticized the process for allowing Sharaa to control the parliamentary majority through appointments and the selection of loyal candidates. Activists warned the assembly risks becoming a rubber-stamp body similar to those under Bashar Assad's rule. Sharaa defended the indirect system as necessary because millions of Syrians lack identification documents after years of displacement.
The transitional parliament will serve a renewable 30-month term under a temporary constitution. Damascus residents showed little interest in the selection, with streets remaining quiet and minimal campaign activity. Critics question whether Sharaa will fulfill promises of future direct elections or consolidate power before drafting a permanent constitution.
