Local committees in Syria have initiated the selection of members for a transitional parliament, a process facing criticism for lack of democracy. One-third of the parliament members are appointed directly by interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, consolidating his power. The formation of the assembly follows Sharaa’s Islamist forces leading a coalition that ousted long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad after a 13-year civil war.
Witnessed by an AFP correspondent, members of local committees queued at Syria’s National Library, now known as the Assad National Library, to participate in the voting process. Over 1,500 candidates, with only 14 percent being women, are competing for assembly seats, each with a 30-month renewable term.
Out of the 210-member body, Sharaa will appoint 70 representatives, while the remaining two-thirds will be chosen by local committees appointed by an electoral commission selected by Sharaa. However, regions like southern Syria’s Sweida province and the Kurdish-held northeast, currently beyond Damascus’s control, are excluded from the process.
Some individuals view the current process as necessary for the transitional phase but express the desire for direct elections in the future. The newly established authorities dissolved Syria’s previous legislature and introduced a temporary constitution, allowing the incoming parliament to exercise legislative functions until a permanent constitution is adopted.
Sharaa defended the selection process, acknowledging its incompleteness but deeming it suitable for Syria’s current circumstances. Approximately 6,000 individuals are participating in the selection process, with preliminary results expected soon and the final list of names to be revealed on Monday.
Candidates for the parliament must not support the former regime or advocate for secession. Notable individuals running include Syrian-American Henry Hamra, the first Jewish candidate in decades. The upcoming parliament is anticipated to play a crucial role in signing international agreements, leading Syria into a new phase.
Critics, including rights groups, have raised concerns about the concentration of power in Sharaa’s hands and the lack of representation for ethnic and religious minorities in the selection process. Despite criticisms, some candidates view the process as a step towards political freedom, while others from marginalized regions express disappointment in the lack of political inclusivity.