Syrian Lawyer questions parliament’s legitimacy over lack of representation

Amid anticipation over the convening of the first sessions of the new Syrian parliament and growing debate about its representation of different segments of society, questions are increasing about its role in the transitional phase and the future of its popular legitimacy, especially in light of the continued absence of Suwayda’s residents from participating in selecting their representatives so far.

In this context, lawyer Basil Hatoum stated that the legitimacy of any parliament is not measured only by electoral mechanisms or formal legal procedures, but by the extent to which it expresses the free popular will and represents all components of the Syrian people.

“Parliament is not just ballot boxes”

In his remarks to ANHA Agency regarding the absence of Sweida residents from choosing its members, Hatoum explained that legitimacy is “not just ballot boxes,” but rather is based on embodying the collective popular will, noting that the absence of a key segment of Syrians from the process of selecting their representatives leaves “a deep gap in the structure of national representation.”

He added that a real parliament must be a mirror reflecting the various segments of Syrian society, and that the absence of any component of the people deprives the legislative institution of part of its ability to claim representation of all Syrians.

“Social acceptance is the soul of law”

On the legitimacy of laws that may be issued by parliament and their public acceptance, Hatoum stated that laws may meet formal legal procedures, but their effectiveness does not depend on form alone, but also on social acceptance.

He said that when citizens feel they were not partners in shaping the social and legislative contract through true representatives who enjoy their trust, this creates a sense of alienation toward the laws issued, adding that “popular acceptance is the soul of the law, and without it, legislation turns into imposed tools lacking the social incubator that ensures respect and implementation.”

In his assessment of parliament’s ability to reflect Syrians’ aspirations, Hatoum described the current parliament as facing a real test: its ability to bridge the gaps left by years of conflict among components of Syrian society, and to restore rights to their rightful owners and repair the social fabric.

He noted that the parliament’s success in strengthening national cohesion and rebuilding trust among Syrians will form the cornerstone of building Syria’s future.

“Parliament must open the door to comprehensive national dialogue”

He also stressed the importance of a real separation of powers, so that parliament can exercise its legislative and oversight role with full independence, and not become merely a tool reflecting the executive authority’s directions.

On the most important step parliament should take to prove it represents all Syrians, Hatoum called on its members to listen to public voices, approach citizens’ concerns and daily suffering, and adopt issues that preoccupy Syrians without discrimination or exclusion.

He added that parliament is required to open the door to comprehensive national dialogue, and to put controversial laws up for public discussion, and to review the legislative and legal framework, including penal codes, exceptional courts, and property laws, in line with human rights principles and equal citizenship.

“We hope for a parliament that reflects the country’s diversity”

At the end of his remarks, Hatoum outlined a vision of the parliament that could contribute to building a new Syria, saying it should be a “meeting place for Syrian minds and hearts,” including lawyers, thinkers, intellectuals, workers, and farmers, and truly reflect the country’s social diversity.

He stressed that the desired parliament is one where a culture of respectful national dialogue prevails, working to build a state of citizenship and justice, and enacting laws that protect human dignity and freedoms and drive development forward, adding that Syrians need “a parliament that writes its legislation with the ink of free national sovereignty and the pulse of human dignity, to be a cornerstone of a renewed Syria that embraces all its sons.”

ANHA