Transitional gov’t prepares “elections” amid doubts over legitimacy

The government had initially announced that the elections to the so-called “People’s Assembly” would be held between September 15 and 20. Yet it continues to speak only of preparations, in an atmosphere widely described as lacking transparency and genuine safeguards for public participation.

Yesterday, the transitional authorities announced what they termed “preliminary lists of members of the electoral bodies in the constituencies across the provinces,” despite objections and doubts surrounding the process. This portrayal highlights the elections as merely a formal exercise entrenching exclusion and executive dominance, rather than serving as a chance to rebuild political life in the country.

Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson of the Supreme Election Committee, stated that candidacy applications are still under review in preparation for the adoption of final lists, with a timetable for the electoral process to be announced later. However, observers stress that these procedures are symbolic and will not bring about any genuine change in the course of governance.

Last month, the committee approved the formation of subsidiary committees to oversee the process in areas under government control, even as popular rejection persists in several parts of Syria—including North and East Syria and Sweida—where the measures are widely described as “appointments.”

With Turkey’s ongoing occupation of Syrian territory and those areas remaining outside government authority, doubts over the seriousness of the entire electoral process only deepen.

Observers point to the decree issued by Ahmad al-Sharaa ratifying the temporary electoral system as an act of cosmetic cover, while the country remains mired in profound political and economic crises. This makes the elections little more than an empty exercise devoid of any democratic substance.

The temporary electoral system also reflects a strong concentration of executive authority, with al-Sharaa appointing one-third of the assembly members and supervising the formation of electoral bodies through hand-picked subsidiary committees. This effectively turns the parliament into a façade institution and further tightens control over the legislature.

The elections also face serious legal and organizational challenges, notably the absence of a genuine democratic electoral law, the continued lack of a comprehensive population census, and the failure to enact legislation permitting the licensing of political parties and blocs. This raises doubts about whether the new assembly can represent all Syrians.

According to observers, these elections—conducted under a “constitutional declaration” that grants the transitional prime minister near-absolute powers—are a continuation of the mentality of domination and control. They reinforce executive supremacy across all branches of government, entrenching an old pattern of authoritarianism under the guise of “political transition.”

a.k

ANHA