Watan-Sources within Syria’s High Electoral Committee have confirmed that the selection process for two-thirds of the 150-member Syrian People’s Assembly has officially begun. The committee, led by Mohammad Taha Al-Ahmad under Presidential Decree 66 (2025) issued by transitional president Ahmed Sharaa, started its provincial tours in Damascus this week.
The new electoral framework replaces direct public elections—used under the former regime—with an indirect system. Instead of direct votes, subcommittees will form local electoral bodies, which in turn will choose members of Parliament.
According to the committee, this approach is intended to suit the transitional and legislative—not representative—nature of the new Parliament. The aim is to select technocrats and academics:
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70% of the members will be academics or experts,
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30% will be notable community figures (preferably with academic qualifications as well).
Each subcommittee will nominate 50 candidates per district, forming an electoral body, from which a single parliamentary representative will be elected. There are 65 administrative districts across Syria, and 14 subcommittees will be formed—one per province, totaling 130 officials to oversee the process.
The committee expects to finish the selection and consultations within 15 days.
Legal Representation and Oversight
Legal experts will not be drawn from the Syrian Bar Association but directly from communities to ensure regional balance. However, three lawyers—a constitutional, international, and administrative law specialist—will assist the committee.
Ballot boxes and local monitors will be used, and international observers are expected to supervise the vote to ensure legitimacy.
Backlash and Criticism
The announcement of Decree 66 and the electoral process sparked immediate controversy. Critics argue the timing—amid the Israel-Iran war—was deliberate, aiming to divert public and international attention.
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The Syrian Constitutional Party (HADS) called the decree a continuation of exclusionary, authoritarian governance reflecting the ruling group’s historical ideology.
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Journalist Anton Sharaa questioned the integrity of the committee, noting the inclusion of figures with past ties to the former regime and warning of opportunists and political climbers.
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From the occupied Golan Heights, journalist Atta Farhat described the timing as a “golden opportunity” to build a handpicked Parliament, stating:“Everyone is distracted by the war. You could fill the Parliament with your neighbors and no one would notice.”
Historical Context & Security Backdrop
The committee held its first session Tuesday night in the Parliament building, setting criteria for subcommittee members and drafting a timeline for the election stages. Field visits will be conducted across provinces to consult with officials and local stakeholders.
Yet, questions remain over the legitimacy and transparency of this process, especially as social media users denounce familiar faces with past regime loyalties within the committee.
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