Syrian Electors Cast Ballots in Indirect Vote for First Post-Assad Parliament
Members of Syria's electoral colleges gather to vote for new lawmakers, marking a milestone in the country's shift away from the ousted regime of Bashar Assad.
DAMASCUS: Members of Syria’s electoral colleges will gather on Sunday to vote for new lawmakers, a significant event in the nation's transition following the ousting of former President Bashar Assad.
The indirect vote is set to take place at regional electoral colleges, with polls opening at around 9:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and closing at approximately 5:00 p.m. (1400 GMT).
President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who rose to power after leading a successful rebel uprising against Assad in December, aims to consolidate his control over a nation severely fractured by a prolonged war and sectarian violence.
This has fueled skepticism among minority groups regarding his leadership.
A total of 6,000 electors will participate in the vote, with 1,570 approved candidates presenting their platforms through seminars and debates in recent days.
However, public election campaigning was noticeably restrained, lacking any visible posters or billboards in major cities as observed by Reuters reporters.
The outcome of Sunday’s vote is expected to determine two-thirds of the 210-seat parliament, with results anticipated on the same day.
Nonetheless, the formal establishment of the legislature will be contingent upon President Sharaa's selection of the remaining third of members.
Authorities have justified the indirect voting process by citing unreliable population data and the displacement of millions of Syrians due to the war.
Additionally, they postponed voting in three provinces held by minority groups, resulting in 19 empty seats within parliament.
Critics have heavily criticized these measures, arguing that a partial and indirect vote lacks representativeness and is excessively centralized.
The selection process for 70 lawmakers by President Sharaa will be crucial in determining the effectiveness and legitimacy of the new legislative body.
The inclusion of women or minority lawmakers could enhance diversity within parliament, yet loyalists may help ensure the president's ability to issue laws without legislative opposition.
The indirect vote is set to take place at regional electoral colleges, with polls opening at around 9:00 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) and closing at approximately 5:00 p.m. (1400 GMT).
President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who rose to power after leading a successful rebel uprising against Assad in December, aims to consolidate his control over a nation severely fractured by a prolonged war and sectarian violence.
This has fueled skepticism among minority groups regarding his leadership.
A total of 6,000 electors will participate in the vote, with 1,570 approved candidates presenting their platforms through seminars and debates in recent days.
However, public election campaigning was noticeably restrained, lacking any visible posters or billboards in major cities as observed by Reuters reporters.
The outcome of Sunday’s vote is expected to determine two-thirds of the 210-seat parliament, with results anticipated on the same day.
Nonetheless, the formal establishment of the legislature will be contingent upon President Sharaa's selection of the remaining third of members.
Authorities have justified the indirect voting process by citing unreliable population data and the displacement of millions of Syrians due to the war.
Additionally, they postponed voting in three provinces held by minority groups, resulting in 19 empty seats within parliament.
Critics have heavily criticized these measures, arguing that a partial and indirect vote lacks representativeness and is excessively centralized.
The selection process for 70 lawmakers by President Sharaa will be crucial in determining the effectiveness and legitimacy of the new legislative body.
The inclusion of women or minority lawmakers could enhance diversity within parliament, yet loyalists may help ensure the president's ability to issue laws without legislative opposition.