Syria announces People's Assembly election results amid 38.16% turnout
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The chairman of the Higher Judicial Committee for Elections in Syria affirms that the elections were conducted under full judicial supervision.
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Judge Jihad Murad, the chairman of the Higher Judicial Committee for Elections, speaks during a press conference on Thursday, July 18, 2024. (SANA)
Syria's Higher Judicial Committee for Elections announced on Thursday the results of the People’s Assembly elections held on Monday, July 15.
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.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he mentioned that the Committee conducted new rounds of voting and recounts in multiple centers across Aleppo, its rural areas, Latakia, Hama, and Daraa due to irregularities.
The chairman of the Higher Judicial Committee for Elections stressed that legal measures were initiated against offenders at certain polling stations.
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Seats are distributed nearly equally between category A (workers and peasants) or category B (other members of the populace) in the legislative body that has held authority in the country since 1971.
It is worth noting that the 2024 elections in Syria occurred against a backdrop of notable shifts in diplomatic relations. Key developments include Gulf states, notably Saudi Arabia, restoring ties with Damascus, Syria reclaiming its seat at the Arab League, and President Bashar al-Assad participating in summits held in Riyadh and Bahrain. These developments are also concurrent with signs of a potential reconciliation between Turkey and Syria, marking a significant shift from their strained relations since 2011.
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