Syria’s New Parliament Set to Convene in Post-Assad Era

The formation of Syria’s first Parliament in the post-Assad era has been announced, marking a significant step in the nation’s political transformation. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa unveiled a selection of 70 legislators, with plans for the 210-member legislature to hold its initial meeting on Monday.

This development is part of Syria’s efforts to recover from prolonged authoritarian rule under former President Bashar al-Assad and the subsequent conflict that claimed approximately 500,000 lives. Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, head of Syria’s electoral committee, confirmed that members will be sworn in and the presidential council elected during their first gathering.

The list announced by al-Sharaa includes 15 women, raising the total number of female members in the Parliament to 22. This reflects a step towards greater gender representation in the legislative body.

The parliamentary elections commenced in October, excluding the southern province of Sweida and northeastern regions under Kurdish control. A vote eventually took place in northeast Syria in May, following the government’s regained control after clashes earlier in the year. However, no voting date has been established for Sweida. Despite this, two representatives from the predominantly Druze region were listed among the selected legislators.

The Parliament’s 30-month term will focus on crafting a new elections law and preparing for a popular vote. This period is seen as a crucial phase in Syria’s transition from the rule of the Assad dynasty, which ended with an offensive spearheaded by the now-defunct Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group led by al-Sharaa in December 2024.