Hamoudeh Sabbagh reelected speaker of Syria's People's Assembly

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Aug 2024 21:33

Sabbagh emphasizes the need for the Assembly members to live up to the aspirations of the Syrian people and contribute to continuous development.

Listen

Hamoudeh Sabbagh, the newly-elected Speaker of Syria's People's Assembly (SANA)

Hamoudeh Sabbagh was elected unopposed as Speaker of Syria's People's Assembly during the opening session of the first extraordinary session of the fourth legislative term, reported the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on Thursday

Maher Hajjar was also elected unopposed as Deputy Speaker, while Mohamed Thaer al-Jawhari and Fawzia Manaa secured the roles of Assembly secretaries. In addition, Ayman Ahmad and Gamal Suleiman were elected as Assembly observers.

In his address to the Assembly, Sabbagh began by paying tribute to the Syrian martyrs, describing them as the cornerstone of the country’s resilience and independence.

He emphasized the need for the Assembly members to live up to the aspirations of the Syrian people and contribute to continuous development.

He highlighted the Assembly’s crucial role in advancing the nation during this new phase of rebuilding and recovery, following years of resistance against the wars and unjust sieges imposed by "forces of evil, aggression, and terrorism."

The focus, Sabbagh noted, should be on strengthening self-reliance, completing reconstruction, and achieving comprehensive development across all sectors.

The newly-elected speaker underlined that the Assembly's commitment to serving the Syrian people's interests, adhering to the constitution, and abiding by laws and internal regulations would be key to fulfilling its legislative and supervisory duties.

He called for cooperation, coordination, and integration among the state authorities, each according to their respective roles and responsibilities, while wishing all Assembly members success in their duties.

Sabbagh concluded his speech by expressing his respect and appreciation to the Syrian people, the Syrian Arab Army, and President Bashar al-Assad.

In mid-July, Syria's Higher Judicial Committee for Elections announced the results of the People’s Assembly elections.

More than 7 million Syrian citizens participated in the parliamentary elections, with a turnout of 38.16%, higher than the approximately 33% turnout in the 2020 elections. They elected 250 members to the People's Council from among 1516 candidates, as per the Committee.

Judge Jihad Murad, the chairman of the Higher Judicial Committee for Elections, affirmed that the elections were conducted under full judicial supervision, from the nominations to the announcement of results, ensuring "the broadest representation of the Syrian people across its various segments and sectors."

Murad emphasized in a press conference that the elected members possess "academic qualifications and expertise," enabling the new assembly to fulfill its national role effectively.