Bashar al-Assad

international

Syria Holds First Elections Since Assad’s Fall, Critics Call Process Undemocratic

Syria is holding its first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of former ruler Bashar al-Assad, marking a pivotal but controversial moment in the country’s fragile post-war transition. On Sunday, members of Syria’s electoral colleges gathered to choose new lawmakers for the 210-seat People’s Assembly. However, the process has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and internationally, as one-third of the seats are being directly appointed by interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The remaining representatives are not being chosen through a direct public vote, but rather selected by electoral colleges across the country — a system many observers say is designed to consolidate power among the political elite. Human rights groups argue that the structure ensures al-Sharaa retains significant control over parliament. In a joint statement last month, more than a dozen NGOs said the interim leader “can effectively shape a parliamentary majority […]

Ahmad October 5, 2025