Syria Plans October 5 Parliamentary Election Under New Islamist Leadership

Syria is preparing for its first parliamentary elections under new Islamist leadership, scheduled for October 5, 2025, marking a transition following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's regime. The elections will select members for a 210-seat People's Assembly, with one-third of the members appointed directly by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, highlighting continued executive influence over the legislature. The electoral process involves the Supreme Electoral Commission appointing subcommittees to form electoral bodies responsible for candidate selection, with opportunities for public objections before final candidate lists are determined. Voting will be conducted by direct secret ballot among electoral body members, and the election results will be finalized by presidential decree before the new assembly convenes. Despite the move toward establishing democratic mechanisms, security concerns have delayed elections in some provinces, and questions remain about the inclusivity and fairness of the process. These developments represent a significant political shift as Syria seeks to redefine its governance and foreign policies under new leadership.