Syria to hold first parliamentary elections since Assad on October 5

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
Today 20:34

Syria will hold its first parliamentary elections on October 5, 2025, with the Supreme Electoral Commission announcing nationwide voting under the transitional constitution.

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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 (SANA via AP)

Syria’s Supreme Electoral Commission has announced that the first parliamentary elections since armed opposition forces overthrew President Bashar al-Assad will take place on October 5, 2025.

“The elections to the National Assembly in constituencies across all Syrian provinces will be held on Sunday, the 13th day of the month of Rabi’ al-Sani, 1447, according to the Muslim calendar, which corresponds to October 5, 2025,” the statement read.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham took control of Damascus in December, ending the al-Assad regime, and appointing its chief, Ahmad al-Sharaa [formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani] as interim president.

In March, al-Sharaa endorsed a new declaration, which grants the president sweeping control over judicial and legislative appointments without oversight. This raised serious concerns about the rule of law and human rights protection unless proper safeguards are implemented. The declaration frames these extensive powers as essential for managing Syria’s transitional period.

“Without stronger safeguards and independent oversight, this declaration risks consolidating executive control at the expense of fundamental freedoms at a crucial time for Syria’s future,” said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.

“Given the rampant unchecked authority of the previous government, it is paramount for Syria to establish a system that holds everyone accountable for their abuses and crimes.”

Since then, Syria has seen countless massacres and civil unrest, namely committed by government security forces against minorities across the country, particularly impacting Alawites and Druze. At least 10,000 Syrians have been killed in clashes, while the Israeli occupation continues incursions and violations against Syrian lands.