Syrian Regime Controls Election Silence Ahead of First Vote Since Assad’s Fall

Syria is preparing for its first parliamentary elections since the removal of former President Bashar al-Assad, scheduled for October 5, 2025.

“PTI| Damascus | Syria The streets of Damascus barely showed sign Saturday a parliamentary election was set to take place the next day”

Devdiscourse

The elections are being held under the interim leadership of President Ahmad al-Sharaa.

Devdiscourse

The electoral process is unique as it does not involve a popular vote; instead, two-thirds of the People's Assembly seats will be filled by electoral colleges in each district, while the remaining one-third will be appointed by the interim president.

This system was adopted due to the challenges posed by widespread displacement and loss of documentation resulting from the civil war.

The interim authorities have dissolved the former parliament and political parties to address the legislative vacuum left by Assad's fall.

Public awareness and engagement in the upcoming elections are notably low.

In Damascus, there are no visible campaign activities, rallies, or public debates, and many residents remain unaware of the impending vote.

kurdistan24.net

This lack of engagement is reflected in the minimal impact of campaign efforts, such as those by Henry Hamra, a Syrian-American Jew running for a seat.

Despite some social media attention, his campaign has not significantly resonated with local residents, highlighting a general public disengagement or confusion about the election process.

The election process is being conducted under strict conditions.

“On December 8, 2024, Syrian factions seized full control of Syria, ending 61 years of Baath Party rule, including 53 years under the Assad family, which had been allied with Russia”

Al-Jazeera Net

The Supreme Committee overseeing the elections announced the conclusion of campaign activities and the start of the electoral silence phase.

Voting is set to occur across all regions, including those facing significant challenges such as Raqqa, Hasakah, and As-Suwayda, which remain outside international control.

The process will be conducted secretly and directly over a three-hour period, with possible extensions.

Ballot counting will begin immediately after voting ends.

Skepticism surrounds the effectiveness and influence of the People's Assembly.

Some observers are adopting a wait-and-see approach regarding the new system.

Arab Times Kuwait News

Shams, a commentator quoted by Devdiscourse, notes that members of the People's Assembly have traditionally had little real influence.

He suggests that judgment should be reserved until the outcomes and impacts of the upcoming elections are clear.

This skepticism reflects broader concerns about the legitimacy and functionality of the new political system in Syria.