Political parties' role in Syria's transitional phase discussed

On Monday, a group of prominent politicians in Raqqa discussed a general vision regarding the role of political parties in Syria's transitional phase, during a seminar organized by the Modernity and Democracy Party. In addition, representatives from the Syrian Democratic Council and the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria presented the seminar.

During the seminar, held at the Crystal Hall in central Raqqa, attendees presented their political perspectives on the transitional phase Syria is experiencing after the fall of the Ba'ath regime, the implications of the current situation in Syria, and its impact on the country's future.

The seminar was moderated by Mohamed al-Aboud; the spokesperson for the Modernity and Democracy Party of Syria, Suzan Safouk; the party member, and Abdul Salam Hamsourk; the vice president of the Democratic Peoples' Council in Raqqa.

The participants emphasized that Syrian political parties should emerge as a response to society's need for a political discourse that upholds the values of freedom, equality, and human rights, and works to confront the roots of authoritarianism within the cultural and political fabric.

They stated that the political parties in the North and East Syria Region and some other areas where some parties managed to operate secretly or openly played an important role in supporting the Syrian revolution since its inception, opposing all forms of tyranny, and continuing to pursue the development of political and social work.

In terms of the situation in Syria after the fall of the Ba'ath regime, the participants offered an analytical reading of the current Syrian reality, pointing to several key developments, the most prominent of which was the dissolution of the army and security services, which led to the formation of military and security institutions directly subordinate to the new ruling authority, and this could transform the state into a one-party authoritarian entity rather than an independent, national state.

They also noted that the exclusion of other Syrian components from security, military, and governmental institutions after the formation of the Transitional Government in Syria contributed to deepening sectarian and ethnic divisions and provided a pretext for foreign intervention and increased internal tensions.

They emphasized that Syria is currently suffering from a lack of practical recognition of democracy and pluralism, as the participation of all groups in key decision-making and effective governance has not been ensured.

The participants observed that the current phase resembles the early days of the previous regime, with the difference being that the country is now divided into multiple spheres of influence, making the risk of open violence continues and threatening the political and social stability.

The politicians stressed that the revolution was not directed against a specific person, but against despotism and tyranny, and that building a democratic, pluralistic state requires the participation of all Syrian components and recognition of citizens’ rights, away from military control or the seizure of power.

They pointed out that the solution lies in organizing and politicizing society, encouraging citizens to join existing parties or establish new ones, as these are essential tools for practicing democracy, participating in decision-making, monitoring power, and combating corruption.

They called on citizens to engage with political programs and contribute to shaping the country's future, emphasizing that the success of any national project depends on effective and continuous popular participation and the understanding that true democracy can only be achieved through strong and responsible political parties.

During the symposium, the participants stressed the importance of strengthening the role of political parties in expanding popular and community participation, and the necessity for parties to be organized platforms for promoting democracy, enabling citizens to express their opinions, monitor the performance of the authorities, and contribute to making crucial decisions that affect the country's future.

They also emphasized the need to provide a safe environment for civil political activity within Syria and to guarantee the participation of all Syrian groups without sectarian or ethnic discrimination, given the current military and political balance.

J.J

ANHA