Syria unveils overhauled electoral system ahead of September elections

Chairman of the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, announced significant developments in Syria’s electoral process following a meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa on July 26. The meeting focused on the latest amendments to the interim electoral system, shaped through consultations with diverse sectors of Syrian society.

Al-Ahmad emphasized that President al-Sharaa had underscored the importance of conducting elections across all provinces, firmly rejecting any calls for division. The President also insisted on excluding individuals who supported criminal activity or incited sectarianism and extremism, Caliber.Az reports, citing Syrian media.

The newly drafted provisional electoral system outlines a clear timeline: one week for selecting subcommittees, 15 days to form electoral bodies, three days for candidacy applications, and a week for campaigning and public debates. Elections are scheduled to take place between September 15 and 20.

The system introduces several reforms, including an increase in People’s Assembly seats from 150 to 210, based on Syria’s 2011 census. It includes clear definitions of electoral bodies, membership criteria, campaign regulations, and a code of conduct for both voters and candidates. A minimum 20% representation for women is mandated, alongside efforts to boost youth participation through civil society-led awareness and training programs.

Seventy seats—one-third of the Assembly—will be appointed by the President and reserved for highly skilled technocrats. Al-Ahmad said this approach aims to address potential gaps in representation and ensure the assembly reflects Syria’s complex social fabric.

He affirmed that the elections will be subject to national and international observation, with mechanisms in place to challenge candidate lists and results. This, he noted, is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and move beyond the legacy of past assemblies shaped by the former regime.

Describing the new system as a hybrid between open and confrontational elections, al-Ahmad said it is tailored to Syria’s unique circumstances and aims to establish a capable, representative parliament to lead the country through its reconstruction and legislative reform phases.

By Vafa Guliyeva