Syria to form transitional parliament in September under al-Sharaa
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Syria will select a 210-member transitional parliament in September, with 140 elected by local bodies and 70 appointed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
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In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syria's interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa receives the final version of the provisional electoral system for the People's Assembly, in Damascus, Syria, Sunday, July 27, 2025 (AP)
Syrian authorities announced on Sunday that a new transitional parliament will be formed in September. The 210-seat body will be composed of 140 lawmakers elected by local electoral bodies, while the remaining 70 members will be appointed by Ahmad al-Sharaa.
This move follows the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad in December, after nearly 14 years of war waged on the country, devastating it and fracturing its political institutions. The transitional government, led by al-Sharaa, dissolved the previous legislature and adopted a temporary constitutional declaration in March, establishing a five-year interim period before a permanent constitution is enacted.
Committee outlines path to parliament formation
According to state-run SANA news agency, the 10-member committee tasked with overseeing the formation of the new legislative body has finalized its roadmap. Committee head Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad met with President Sharaa on Saturday to present the plan, which schedules the parliamentary selection process for September 15–20.
Al-Ahmad stated that local electoral committees will be established within three weeks of the official decree being issued. Following that, candidates will have roughly a week to prepare their platforms and participate in public debates. Ahmad also emphasized that women would be represented in the new assembly.
The temporary constitutional declaration grants the transitional parliament a renewable three-year mandate. It will wield full legislative authority until a permanent constitution is adopted and general elections are held. The upcoming parliament is expected to play a central role in shaping Syria’s political future, including constitutional reform and national reconciliation.
Al-Sharaa vows to form 'inclusive government'
Al-Sharaa announced key steps for the country's political future during his first address back in January. In his speech, al-Sharaa emphasized that the transitional phase was part of a broader political process that requires the participation of Syrians both inside and outside the country. He stated, "The participation of Syrians in the political process is essential for building their future with freedom and dignity, without exclusion or marginalization."
Al-Sharaa also outlined plans to form an inclusive transitional government that reflects Syria's diversity, with equal representation of men, women, and youth. The government, he said, would focus on rebuilding the country's institutions.
Furthermore, he announced the creation of a preparatory committee to select a small legislative council to fill the current political vacuum during the transitional period. Al-Sharaa also revealed plans to establish a preparatory committee for a national dialogue conference, which will serve as a direct platform for discussions and consultations.
