Transitional Govt to hold elections without electoral law

As Syria prepares for parliamentary elections scheduled between September 15 and 20, the process remains surrounded by major legal, organizational, and political challenges. These factors could affect how representative the elections are for the Syrian people and the nature of the entire transitional phase.

Attention remains focused on whether the transitional government can establish transparent and inclusive mechanisms that guarantee broad and effective participation in shaping Syria’s future.

Selective Electoral System and Appointment of One-Third of Members

The head of the High Elections Committee for the transitional government, Taha Al-Ahmad, announced that the new People’s Assembly will consist of 210 members. Ahmed Al-Shara will appoint 70 of them — one-third of the council — while the remaining 140 will be elected through electoral bodies formed by subcommittees, which in turn elect these bodies.

Taha Al-Ahmad clarified that these subcommittees will also be selected by the High Elections Committee, which Al-Shara appointed by presidential decree in June 2025 — composed of individuals close to him.

The appointed assembly will hold broad legislative powers, including proposing and amending laws, approving international treaties, ratifying the national budget, and granting general amnesties. Its term will last 30 months, extendable, according to the constitutional declaration issued by Ahmed Al-Shara.

Unfulfilled Requirements and Legal Gaps

Despite these announced steps, several essential legal and procedural requirements remain incomplete. These include conducting a comprehensive census necessary for fair elections, issuing a law to license political parties, and passing an electoral law to govern the entire process.

This raises questions about transparency and how representative the upcoming parliament will be of Syria’s diverse population.

These preparations contradict what Al-Shara previously told the media in response to criticisms about his rise to power without elections or a constitutional process. He stated that “holding elections in Syria could take four years,” explaining that any fair election requires a full national census and the drafting of a new constitution — a process that could itself take up to three years.

He emphasized that proper elections require accurate demographic data and an appropriate legal infrastructure, including documentation of births and deaths and outreach to Syrian communities abroad — many of whom lack civil records. He stressed that managing the transitional period requires a true state-level approach.

Executive Control and Power Centralization

The constitutional declaration issued by the transitional government in June 2025, which set a five-year timeline for the transitional phase, grants broad powers to the head of government. It gives Al-Shara near-absolute authority in forming legislative, executive, and judicial bodies — despite the declaration’s stated principle of separation of powers.

Observers note that Al-Shara’s appointment of one-third of the parliament members, along with the formation of electoral bodies by pre-selected committees, reinforces executive control over the legislature. This raises fears that the new parliament will be merely symbolic, rather than an independent lawmaking institution.

Challenges of Geographic and Political Inclusivity

These elections are being held while the transitional government controls only parts of Syrian territory. Large areas in the north and east, as well as Sweida and its surrounding countryside, remain outside its control. Other parts are occupied by Turkish forces and allied militias, raising questions about how well the new parliament can represent all Syrians.

Additionally, an agreement signed on March 10 with components in northeast Syria — aimed at integrating their institutions into the state framework — has not been implemented. This further casts doubt on whether these regions will participate in the upcoming elections.

Local and International Reactions

The constitutional declaration and the planned elections have drawn criticism from human rights groups and various Syrian communities. They warn that the transitional system risks replicating the same pattern of authoritarian control — under a new label — potentially undermining hopes for a truly democratic political system.

On the other hand, the transitional government claims the elections are “a critical step in the political transition process aimed at rebuilding state institutions and achieving stability.”

Since the 1960s, Syria’s parliamentary elections have followed a similar pattern, contradicting the very constitution crafted by those in power. The last such election, held in 2024, was also widely considered symbolic.

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ANHA