Syria’s New Post-Assad Parliament Convenes

The head of Syria’s electoral committee, Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, announced that the new 210-member legislature is scheduled to convene its initial session on Monday. This development marks a pivotal step as the nation endeavors to rebuild after Bashar al-Assad’s long rule and a devastating conflict claiming around 500,000 lives.

Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa has selected 70 legislators for the assembly. Notably, among these selections, are 15 women, bringing the total number of female legislators to 22. The formation of this parliament showcases Syria’s efforts in legislating new laws and signifies a crucial move toward national recovery.

The preliminary phase of parliamentary elections commenced in October. It notably excluded the southern province of Sweida, under control by Druze militias opposing the central regime, and the Kurdish-controlled northeast Syria. However, May saw a vote in northeast Syria following government forces’ triumph over armed conflicts earlier in the year. Despite these developments, no date has been set for elections in Sweida, though two delegates from the predominantly Druze region appeared on the newly released list.

This parliament is expected to serve a 30-month term. Its responsibilities include crafting a fresh electoral law and laying the groundwork for future popular elections. The establishment of this legislative body follows insurgents’ December 2024 assault, led by al-Sharaa’s defunct Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which concluded the Assad family’s five-decade governance.