Syria's political transition took an important step forward as the new parliament convened for the first time on Sunday in Damascus, launching discussions on the country's future.
In his opening speech to parliament, President Ahmed al-Shara called on lawmakers to 'make this council a model of responsibility and competence.' Describing the assembly as a 'platform for truth and justice,' Shara said, 'Syria is writing a glorious history that reflects its heroism; we are faced with the responsibility of building the nation and the individual.'
Interim system and assembly structure
Two-thirds of the 210-seat assembly were selected by regional electoral colleges last year, while the remaining third were appointed by Shara on July 1. Officials defended the system, noting that years of war had displaced millions and made it impossible to rely on accurate population records.
The interim constitutional declaration that came into force in 2025 grants the parliament limited powers; the government is not required to obtain a vote of confidence. The assembly can propose and approve laws. Its term is 30 months and can be renewed; it assumes legislative authority until a permanent constitution is adopted and elections are held.
Assembly speaker elected
Abdulhalim al-Awak, a member of the committee that drafted the constitutional declaration, was elected assembly speaker with 99 votes. Shara announced that the parliament would be tasked with forming a committee to draft the new constitution.
Women and minorities in representation
There are 21 women lawmakers in the assembly; 15 of them were appointed by Shara. Women make up 10 percent of the total. Officials did not release an official breakdown of the number of lawmakers from ethnic and religious minorities. According to unofficial tallies, 10 of the seats elected last year went to religious and ethnic minorities, including Kurds, Christians, and Alawites, the sect to which Assad belongs.
Empty seats in Suwayda
Four seats are currently vacant: one lawmaker died, and three seats allocated to the predominantly Druze province of Suwayda have yet to be filled. Officials said elections in Suwayda were postponed 'until conditions become suitable.' The region has remained outside state control since clashes erupted last July between government forces and Druze groups, which according to the United Nations killed around 1,700 people.
A former al-Qaeda member, Shara cut ties with the group in 2016. After toppling Assad, Shara forged close ties with Western states and promised a new era of freedoms. However, his first year in power was marred by violence between pro-government forces and minority groups.
