DAMASCUS, Syria – Syria has concluded its first parliamentary elections since the formal end of the country’s devastating civil war, a vote held across government-controlled territories on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The polling marks a significant, albeit contentious, step in the nation’s post-conflict political landscape, aiming to elect 250 members to the People’s Assembly.
The elections unfolded nearly 15 years after the initial protests in 2011 that spiraled into a prolonged conflict, which saw millions displaced and vast swathes of the country devastated. With the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, having largely consolidated control over most of the country’s populated areas, this election is framed by Damascus as a return to normalcy and a foundation for national reconstruction.
Millions of eligible voters were called to cast their ballots in a process overseen by the Supreme Judicial Committee for Elections. State media reported a strong turnout, with images of citizens queuing at polling stations in cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs. Candidates largely consisted of members of the ruling Ba’ath Party and its allies, along with independent figures who generally support the current political system.
The government emphasized the democratic nature of the elections, portraying them as an exercise in self-determination. Official statements highlighted the importance of civic participation in rebuilding the nation and shaping its legislative future.
However, the international community’s reaction remains divided. Western nations and human rights organizations largely dismissed the elections as neither free nor fair, citing the absence of genuine political competition, the continued influence of the ruling party, and the inability of millions of refugees and internally displaced persons to participate. Critics pointed to the exclusion of opposition groups and the ongoing political repression as undermining the credibility of the vote.
Conversely, allies of the Syrian government, including Russia and Iran, commended the elections as a legitimate step towards stability and a reflection of the Syrian people’s will. They viewed the process as an internal affair and a demonstration of national sovereignty.
The newly elected parliament is expected to continue legislating within the framework of the existing constitutional structure, with significant decision-making power remaining centralized within the presidency. Observers suggest the election’s primary function is to reinforce the legitimacy of the current administration and project an image of a functioning state in the post-war era.
Despite the polls, Syria continues to grapple with profound challenges, including a severe economic crisis, widespread poverty, and the enduring humanitarian needs of its population. The long-term implications of these elections for national reconciliation and political reform remain a subject of intense debate both within and outside the country.
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