Syria Finalizes Transitional Parliament Appointments After Eight-Month Delay

Syrian authorities have announced the final appointments to the transitional parliament, completing the formation of the 210-seat People's Assembly. This move comes eight months after legislative elections were held, but the population did not participate in that process.

The head of the Supreme Committee for Parliamentary Elections, Mohamed Taha al Ahmed, revealed the final composition. Two-thirds of the parliamentarians were chosen in October through an indirect process where regional assemblies selected representatives. President Ahmed al Sharaa reserved the right to appoint the remaining 70 deputies.

“

The appointments aim to strengthen female representation and include experienced figures.

Al Ahmed stated that these appointed members include individuals with political experience and are intended to enhance female representation. This aligns with the president's earlier statements about compensating for imbalances from the October vote. Among the 70 appointees are 23 "public figures" and 47 "specialists." Fifteen women were appointed, bringing the total female representation to 21 deputies.

This marks the first parliament formed since the ousting of former Syrian President Bashar al Assad in December 2024 by an armed coalition led by Al Sharaa. The October 2025 elections faced significant criticism from civil society groups, activists, and ethnic minorities due to the indirect selection process. Only about 6,000 electoral college members participated, choosing from pre-approved candidate lists. Political parties were banned, and women secured only 4% of seats. Additionally, no deputies were selected from the southern Sweida governorate, home to Syria's Druze minority, or from the Kurdish-controlled northeast, leaving these communities unrepresented despite Al Sharaa's pledge for a parliament representing all Syrians.

“

The parliament must represent all Syrians regardless of any regional or sectarian consideration.