Syria has recently unveiled the results of its first parliamentary election since the fall of the Assad regime, a moment that should signify a step toward rebuilding a war-torn nation. Instead, it has become a glaring example of how deeply entrenched power structures resist genuine democratic reform. The electoral process, shrouded in concerns over inclusivity and fairness, has revealed a stark reality: the overwhelming majority of the newly elected members of the People’s Assembly are Sunni Muslim men, continuing a tradition of exclusion that systematically marginalizes women and religious minorities.
The electoral commission’s spokesperson, Nawar Najmeh, reported that a mere four percent of the 119 members elected in this indirect vote were women, and only two Christians made it through the gauntlet of pre-approved candidates. This abysmal representation raises critical questions about the government’s commitment to social justice and equality. If a democratic government is to represent the people, how can it ignore the essential voices of half its population?
This election is heralded as a significant milestone in Syria’s fragile post-war transition. However, it is crucial to recognize that the system in place favors a select group of well-connected elites, ensuring that power remains concentrated in the hands of a few. Critics have pointed out that the indirect voting system, which circumvents universal suffrage, is a blatant tactic to maintain control rather than to empower citizens.
The rationale behind this indirect voting process stems from the regime’s claim of unreliable population data following a decade of conflict that has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands and the displacement of millions. But this assertion serves to obscure the reality that the regime is unwilling to enfranchise significant portions of the population, particularly those residing in areas outside government control, such as Kurdish-held regions in the north and the Druze minority in Suwayda. Authorities cited security and political reasons for postponing elections in these areas, effectively leaving 21 parliamentary seats vacant and signaling a disregard for the voices of diverse ethnic groups.
The composition of the assembly reflects a demographic imbalance that mirrors the sectarian tensions long exploited by the Assad regime. While Sunni Muslims comprise an estimated 75 percent of the population, the dominance of Sunni male representation in the assembly underscores a systemic bias that fails to acknowledge the contributions and rights of women and minority groups. Najmeh himself noted that the representation of women was “not proportionate” to their status in society, a statement that starkly contrasts with the regime’s professed commitment to inclusivity.
The electoral process was designed to limit genuine representation. With around 6,000 members of regional electoral colleges hand-picking candidates from government-approved lists, the inherent lack of choice is evident. Furthermore, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s role in appointing the remaining third of the assembly only exacerbates fears of a façade of democracy—where real power continues to reside with a few rather than flowing from the will of the people.
The voices of those marginalized by this process are critical. Political and rights activist Nour al-Jandali, elected from Homs, articulated the immense responsibility the new lawmakers bear. Her call for a state built on freedom, citizenship, and justice is a poignant reminder that the path to recovery must include a commitment to human rights and meaningful participation of all citizens, especially women.
As discussions continue about the integration of Kurdish and other minority groups into the national framework, the stalled negotiations reflect broader systemic issues that should be addressed if true unity is to be achieved. The absence of a timeline for future elections in Raqqa and Hasakeh signals that the struggle for representation is far from over.
The recent elections in Syria must be viewed through a critical lens that reveals the underlying inequities and power dynamics at play. While some may cling to hope for a legitimate democratic process, it is essential to confront the uncomfortable truth: what was presented as an election is merely a continuation of an authoritarian regime’s grip on power, cloaked in the language of reform.
For Syria to emerge from this cycle of oppression, it must not only address the immediate needs of its populace but also commit to dismantling the systemic barriers that have perpetuated inequality. The voices of women, minorities, and the disenfranchised must no longer be sidelined; rather, they must be integral to the nation’s rebuilding process. The world must hold the Syrian authorities accountable and demand a transition that genuinely reflects the will of all its citizens, paving the way for a future rooted in justice, equality, and human rights.
This article highlights the importance of A Shallow Facade of Democracy Amidst Systemic Exclusion.
