Syria Forms New Parliament as Part of Post-Assad Era Transition

The head of Syria’s electoral committee, Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, announced that the new 210-member legislature will convene its first session on Monday. This marks a significant step for Syria as it emerges from decades of rule under Bashar al-Assad and grapples with the aftermath of a conflict that has claimed approximately 500,000 lives.

Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa unveiled a list of 70 legislators, signifying a milestone in the formation of Syria’s first Parliament since the fall of the Assad regime. Among those selected by al-Sharaa are 15 women, raising the total number of female legislators to 22.

The transition to a new government has been gradual, with the first phase of parliamentary elections occurring in October. However, some regions, including Sweida and northeast Syria, were initially excluded due to differing control and opposition to the central government.

Subsequently, a vote took place in northeast Syria in May following government forces regaining control after intense clashes earlier this year. While no voting date has been announced for Sweida, al-Sharaa’s list includes representatives for this primarily Druze region.

According to al-Ahmad, the new Parliament’s term will last 30 months. During this time, they will focus on drafting a new elections law and paving the way for popular participation in future elections.

Syria has lacked a parliamentary body since a December 2024 insurgent offensive led by al-Sharaa’s former group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, effectively ended the Assad family’s 50-year reign.