������Ƶ

Syria this week witnessed a historic moment. For the first time since the overthrow of Bashar Assad in December 2024, Syrians went to the polls under the transitional leadership of President Ahmad Al-Sharaa to elect a new People’s Assembly. These legislative elections, carried out under a framework that combines both direct elections and presidential appointments, represent more than a political procedure — they are the clearest sign yet that Syria is beginning to turn a painful page in its history and step toward a new era of unity, reconciliation and national rebirth.

The transitional system expands the People’s Assembly to 210 members: 140 chosen through electoral colleges and 70 appointed by the president. While not yet a full expression of universal suffrage, this structure reflects a pragmatic balance, allowing governance to move forward despite the immense logistical and political challenges created by years of war, displacement and destruction. It is an imperfect model but an important first step — and a clear sign of the political will needed to break with the stagnation and authoritarianism of the past.

Observers have already noted shortcomings. One described the new parliament as “overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim and male,” reflecting the persistent challenges of ensuring fair representation for women and minorities. Indeed, the higher electoral committee itself acknowledged these deficiencies, pointing out that women’s representation remains unsatisfactory and that only two seats were won by Christians — far below their demographic presence in Syria. These gaps are reminders that inclusivity is a process, not a single event, and that reforms must continue to ensure the new Syria lives up to its promise of diversity.

While not yet a full expression of universal suffrage, this structure reflects a pragmatic balance

Hani Hazaimeh

Another major challenge was the postponement of elections in areas outside government control, including Kurdish-held parts of the north and northeast and the Druze-majority province of Sweida, leaving 21 seats vacant. Authorities linked the delay to security concerns and to ongoing negotiations over integrating the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into the national framework. While disappointing in the short term, the government’s stated commitment to hold elections in these zones once conditions allow shows seriousness about eventually bringing all Syrians under one democratic umbrella.

Still, the most powerful symbol of these elections is not merely the numbers or procedures, but the spirit they embody. After nearly 14 years of war, Syrians have longed for institutions that reflect their collective will. These elections, however limited, begin to create that possibility. They are a message to the world, and to Syrians themselves, that the country is on the path of rebuilding — not only its cities and infrastructure but also its sense of belonging, trust and shared future.

The importance of these elections lies in three main areas.

Firstly, stability. A war-shattered country cannot heal without credible institutions. By creating a legislative body that reflects Syrians from diverse regions and communities, the country begins to replace rule by decree with rule by representation. Every seat filled, every ballot cast is a rejection of violence as the only language of politics. Stability begins not with perfect systems but with shared commitments, and Syria has now made one.

Secondly, reconciliation. These elections are more than a political exercise, they are an invitation to Syrians to see themselves once again as part of a shared national story. Kurds, Arabs, Alawites, Sunnis, Christians, Druze — all have a stake in the rebuilding of Syria. Though gaps in participation remain, the parliament can become the forum where grievances are heard, compromises are forged and a new social contract is written. The mere act of holding elections after years of division already carries immense symbolic weight. It says: reconciliation is possible.

Thirdly, international credibility. Syria’s new leadership knows the world is watching. Donor nations, the UN and millions of displaced Syrians abroad are measuring whether these elections are inclusive, transparent and meaningful. By moving forward with this process, Syria is signaling its seriousness about reconstruction and reform. Progress on Kurdish participation and the greater inclusion of women and minorities will give the process the legitimacy it needs to unlock international support and investment in the country’s recovery.

Perhaps the most important aspect of this week’s elections is psychological. For years, Syrians have lived in despair, their futures clouded by violence, displacement and uncertainty. This vote offers hope. It offers a visible break from the past, showing that the country is no longer trapped in cycles of dictatorship and war and is moving toward governance that represents rather than represses.

These elections are an invitation to Syrians to see themselves once again as part of a shared national story

Hani Hazaimeh

Of course, the challenges ahead are daunting. Electoral systems must be refined, displaced Syrians must be integrated into the democratic process and constitutional reforms must enshrine protections for minority and regional rights. But the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step — and Syria has now taken that step.

The incomplete inclusion of Kurds, Christians and women in this election is not the end of the story but the beginning of a process that must expand. It shows that the new Syria is not yet built for all Syrians, but it is moving in that direction — and that direction matters. Diversity — geographic, ethnic and cultural — must become the country’s greatest asset in building a stable and inclusive state.

In time, this parliament can become a space where disagreements are debated, compromises are crafted and a new Syrian identity is forged — one that is not imposed from above but built collectively from below. The people who suffered so long under authoritarianism and war are beginning to write their own future.

As Syrians cast their ballots, they are not just choosing representatives; they are choosing hope over despair, dialogue over division and unity over fragmentation.

The message is clear: Syria is no longer defined only by its wounds but by its will to heal. And with every vote, with every step toward inclusivity, it is proving that renewal is not only possible — it is already underway.

• Hani Hazaimeh is a senior editor based in Amman. X: @hanihazaimeh