🗳️ First post-Assad parliamentary elections stir debate over legitimacy, exclusion

DAMASCUS/QAMISHLI, syria (North Press) – Syria’s first parliamentary elections following the fall of former leader Bashar al-Assad’s regime have sparked intense debate over the true representativeness of the electoral process and the legitimacy of its outcome. The elections, which come amid ongoing political and security challenges, have raised concerns about the extent to which they reflect the broader syrian public’s will, particularly in light of the official-calender/" class="smart-internal-link" title="📰 Assyrian Organization rejects exclusion of Akitu Holiday from Syria’s official calender">exclusion of three key governorates and the appointment of 70 members of the emerging parliament by Transitional leader Ahmad al-Sharaa without elections. Notably, a vital necessity amid political complexities   Syrian political analyst Tawfiq Abdulhamid described the elections as “a pressing necessity” at this stage of Syria’s transition, explaining that they are aimed at providing the emerging administration with additional internal legitimacy after the formation of partial economic, security, and armed forces institutions.

However, he cautioned that the electoral process is fraught with “significant complications and obstacles,” the most significant of which is the exclusion of three Syrian governorates from participating in the elections. Abdulhamid deems this exclusion “a grave mistake,” one for which he holds the elections committee or other authorities responsible. These excluded governorates, as per Abdulhamid, are politically and security-wise distinct. “The northeast of Syria is under autonomous administration with its own political agenda.

Suwayda is experiencing separatist demands led by Sheikh Hikmat al-Hajri, and the Syrian coast remains dominated by loyalists to the new authority, with minimal opposition influence,” he stated.   The politician argued that these areas should have been included in the process. “Their inclusion would have provided the electoral process with broader political credibility, allowed local figures to present their visions and programs, and made the elections more engaging and realistic. ” Appointments and elections    Abdulhamid also addressed al-Sharaa’s decision to appoint 70 of the 210 parliamentary members, leaving 140 seats open for electoral competition. He suggested that this division reflects the current political environment in Syria. “These elections are not taking place within a mature political environment or an established political society. Syria’s political culture remains weak after six decades of centralized rule and the absence of democratic practice,” Abdulhamid explained.

Political analyst Samir Abu Saleh echoed this sentiment, acknowledging that the elections represent “a positive step in the right direction. ” However, he emphasized that “the necessary foundations for such a process, such as civic engagement and political awareness, are still lacking. Indeed, ”   Abu Saleh further noted that Syria…