A New Chapter for Syria: Indirect Elections and the Birth of a Parliament

For the first time in more than half a century, Syrians are preparing to witness something their country has been denied for decades: a genuine People’s Assembly.

The upcoming vote is historic on multiple fronts. It marks the end of Bashar al-Assad’s authoritarian rule, the collapse of the Ba’ath Party’s monopoly that began with the 1963 coup, and the launch of a new political experiment , indirect parliamentary elections.

Breaking from the Past

For generations, Syria’s parliament was little more than a rubber stamp for the ruling elite. The Ba’ath Party controlled every seat worth holding, and elections were carefully stage-managed to maintain the image of participation without allowing real representation.

That era, Syrians say, is finally over. The new parliament will not be handpicked by a single party, but neither will it be chosen through a direct popular vote at least not yet.

Why Not Direct Elections?

The country’s leadership argues that the scars of war and revolution have made direct elections impossible for now. Entire communities were displaced, demographic patterns shifted dramatically, and millions have only recently begun returning home. “You cannot ask people to vote when they don’t even know where they officially reside,” one Syrian official explained.

To navigate these challenges, President Ahmed al-Shar’a issued Decree No. 143 of 2025, introducing a system based on Electoral Colleges. It is an unusual solution in the Middle East, though versions of it exist in parts of Europe and Cuba.

How the System Will Work

Instead of casting ballots themselves, citizens will be represented by members of Electoral Colleges individuals vetted by an independent committee. These electors, chosen for their social standing and reputation, will select two-thirds of the new parliament. The remaining one-third will be directly appointed by the president.

Candidates will not campaign in the streets or host mass rallies. Instead, they will present their ideas and policy platforms only to their respective Electoral College.

Strict Rules for Participation

Both electors and candidates must meet firm eligibility criteria. They cannot belong to the armed forces or intelligence agencies, have supported the old Ba’ath regime or extremist groups, or advocate the country’s division. Only those with clean reputations and social respectability will be considered.

The Numbers
• Total seats in the People’s Assembly: 210
• 140 (two-thirds) elected through Electoral Colleges
• 70 (one-third) appointed by the president

Understanding Through a Pakistani Lens

For those familiar with Pakistan’s political system, the comparison is striking. If applied in Islamabad, ordinary citizens would not vote directly for MNAs or MPAs. Instead, each district would have an Electoral College, a select group of respected figures chosen by a committee. Candidates would present their programs to these electors, who would then select assembly members. The prime minister or president would directly appoint the remaining seats.
Hope that this election will bring peace and prosperity to all Syrians.