Syria Holds Transitional Elections Amid Questions of Legitimacy and Political Control Syria is holding transitional parliamentary elections this Sunday, marking the first vote since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The elections, hailed by the interim government as a milestone toward national stability, have nonetheless drawn widespread criticism over their transparency and inclusiveness.

A total of 1,578 candidates are contesting 210 seats, but analysts note that the electoral process remains heavily influenced by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose authority extends deeply into the selection of representatives. Of the total seats, 70 are appointed directly by Sharaa, while the remaining 140 are chosen by local committees established by the electoral commission, which itself was appointed by the interim president.

This structure, observers argue, consolidates Sharaa’s control over the legislature and undermines the independence of the new parliament. Furthermore, ethnic and religious minorities—long marginalized in Syrian politics—have been largely excluded from meaningful participation in the vote. Under the current electoral rules, candidates are barred from being “supporters of the previous regime” or advocating for regional secession.

The southern province of Sweida and the Kurdish-controlled northeast have been excluded from the vote altogether, as they remain outside the interim government’s jurisdiction. Their seats will remain vacant until further notice. The mandate for the new parliament is set at 30 months, with the possibility of extension until a permanent constitution is approved.

Official results and the final list of elected representatives are expected to be announced on Monday. While polling stations opened under tight security, skepticism remains widespread among citizens and international observers alike. For many Syrians, today’s elections symbolize both a fragile step toward renewal and a reminder of how deeply political control still shapes the nation’s future.