Poll: Syrians Lack Confidence in New People's Assembly, Majority Desire Talks for Sweida

A recent survey reveals a significant lack of confidence among Syrians regarding the newly appointed People's Assembly's effectiveness. Conducted by the Arab magazine Syria in Transition, the poll found that only 14% of 900 respondents across Damascus, Rural Damascus, and Homs believed the assembly would represent the people. Even fewer, just 10%, thought it would influence government decisions.

More than a quarter of those surveyed (29%) expressed indifference, even while acknowledging the assembly's lack of representativeness. The findings come weeks after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed 70 lawmakers to the transitional parliament, a 210-member body with limited power under the presidential system he established after ousting Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Notably, the selection process excluded lawmakers for the predominantly Druze province of Sweida, with Sharaa citing unsuitable conditions.

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The majority of Syrian respondents said they couldn’t predict what influence the assembly would have, while 26% said they didn’t think it would have any weight on government decisions at all.

Beyond political confidence, the survey also shed light on socioeconomic disparities. Residents in wealthier areas reported a more positive view of the rule of law (64%) compared to those in less stable communities (6%). Neighborhood wealth also correlated with perceptions of safety, public services, and the overall economic situation. Meanwhile, a majority of respondents (68%) favored teaching democratic values in schools, though 18% opposed it.

The article also touches upon ongoing tensions in Sweida, a province that experienced significant sectarian violence last year, resulting in approximately 1700 murders and hundreds of abductions. The situation there remains volatile, with respondents indicating a desire for government intervention to address the issues.

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While efforts were made to ensure female and certain sect representatives, including the Alawite community, were selected, Sharaa did not allow the selection of lawmakers for the predominantly Druze province of Sweida, saying such a selection would only take place once "conditions become suitable."