Syria05 October, 20252 min read
Ahmed al-Sharaa Consolidates Power by Appointing One-Third of Syria’s Post-Assad Parliament in Undemocratic Process
Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa appoints one-third of the 210-member parliament. Two-thirds of parliament members are indirectly elected by electoral colleges under Sharaa's influence.
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Syria's Political Transition
Syria is undergoing a significant political transition with the formation of its first post-Assad parliament. This process has been widely criticized for its lack of democratic legitimacy. Interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, who assumed power following a rebel offensive, is set to appoint one-third of the 210-member parliament.
“Syria is forming its first post-Assad parliament through a controversial and undemocratic process.”
The remaining members are selected by local committees under his influence. This process has been condemned for consolidating Sharaa's power and marginalizing ethnic and religious minorities.
Key regions like the Druze-majority Sweida province and the Kurdish-controlled northeast are excluded, leaving 32 seats vacant. Critics argue that the process lacks genuine pluralism and fails to represent the diverse Syrian population.
Election Process and Challenges
The election process involves indirect voting by around 6,000 electors and has been criticized for its limited public campaigning and low visibility in major cities. The interim government cites logistical challenges, such as displaced populations lacking documentation, as reasons for the indirect election system.
However, rights groups and minority representatives argue that the process is controlled by Sharaa and marginalizes minorities. The parliament will operate under a temporary constitution for a renewable 30-month term, raising doubts about the prospects for genuine democratic reforms versus continued authoritarian rule.
Election Exclusion and Criticism
The exclusion of the Druze-majority Sweida province and the Kurdish-controlled northeast from the election process has left 32 seats vacant. This exclusion has further fueled criticism of the parliament's lack of inclusivity. Observers have raised concerns about the transparency of the process and the exclusion of supporters of the Assad regime.
“Observers have raised concerns about the transparency of the process and the exclusion of Assad regime supporters.”
The interim leader defends the selection method, citing challenges such as displaced populations lacking documentation. Despite these justifications, the process is seen as consolidating Sharaa's power and disregarding democratic principles.
Syrian Parliament and Elections
The new parliament, which includes the first Jewish candidate since the 1940s, is expected to function as a rubber-stamp body under Sharaa's regime, similar to previous assemblies. Public dissatisfaction is evident, with many Syrians viewing the election as a setback for democracy amid stalled Kurdish negotiations and suspended political activities in some areas. Critics argue that the process concentrates power and disregards democratic principles, while Sharaa defends the selection method as necessary given the current challenges.