Syria's First Parliamentary Elections Highlight Gender and Minority Underrepresentation

Wed Oct 22 2025 10:42:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the aftermath of Syria's first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, significant underrepresentation of women and minority groups has been acknowledged. Only 13% of the seats were won by female candidates and members of minorities, raising concerns about inclusivity in the new assembly.

Syria recently held its first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, but results revealed that only 13% of the elected representatives were women and members of minority groups. Observers noted that the voting process lacked direct popular input, with most seats being filled by electoral college selections. The interim president hinted at potential appointments aimed at addressing societal imbalances. These elections occur against a backdrop of ongoing sectarian violence and political instability, prompting critiques of their legitimacy and calls for more effective representation.

The committee which organised Syria's first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad has acknowledged significant shortcomings, after results showed only 13% of the seats contested were won by female and minority candidates.

Observers noted that six women and 10 members of religious and ethnic minorities were among the 119 people elected to the new People's Assembly on Sunday.

There was no direct popular vote. Instead, electoral colleges are selecting representatives for two-thirds of the 210 seats. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is appointing the rest.

An election committee spokesman stated the president's choices might compensate for the underrepresented components of society.

Twenty-one seats were not filled due to postponed polls in two Kurdish-controlled provinces in the north, along with violence in a southern province. Sharaa had termed the elections a historic moment and emphasized the parliament's vital oversight role.

However, the country faces ongoing sectarian violence, raising concerns about effective representation and trust in the political process.