Syrians Cast Votes Amid Hope and Uncertainty in First Election Since Dictatorship

Syria's Election After Dictatorship: A Complex and Controversial Process As the sun rises over the war-torn city of Damascus, a sense of hope and uncertainty hangs in the air. For the first time in decades, Syrians are preparing to cast their votes in a national election, marking a significant step towards democracy after years of dictatorship and civil war. But as the country navigates this new chapter, many questions remain about the legitimacy and transparency of the process. The Assad family's grip on power has been broken, but the legacy of their authoritarian rule still lingers. The interim Syrian government, established to oversee the transition, has chosen an indirect election method, citing the challenges posed by millions of displaced persons, lack of official documents, and a fragile legal structure. This means that instead of voting booths and campaign posters, votes will be cast by committees in 62 electoral districts. For many Syrians, this process is a far cry from what they had envisioned for their country's future. "We fought for freedom, not committee elections," says Amal, a 35-year-old activist who lost her brother in the war. "I'm not sure if I'll even participate in this election. It feels like we're just going through the motions." The Supreme Committee for the People's Assembly Elections, appointed by the transitional government to oversee the process, has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability. Critics argue that the committee is dominated by figures with ties to the previous regime, undermining the legitimacy of the election. However, others see this as an opportunity for Syria to rebuild and move forward. "We understand that the situation in Syria is complex, but we believe that indirect elections are a necessary step towards stability," says Dr. Faisal, a member of the Supreme Committee. "We're working hard to ensure that every voice is heard, even if it's not through traditional means." As the election approaches, Syrians are grappling with the implications of this new process. Will it bring about genuine change and representation, or will it perpetuate the same old power dynamics? The answer lies in the details. The electoral districts, for instance, have been weighted by population to ensure that each area has an equal say. But critics argue that this system is vulnerable to manipulation, particularly given the lack of transparency around the election sub-committees. Despite these challenges, many Syrians are cautiously optimistic about the future. "We've been through so much, and we're not going to let a few bumps in the road stop us," says Amal's friend, Rami, who lost his home in the war. "This election is just the beginning of our journey towards democracy." As Syria embarks on this uncertain path, one thing is clear: the country's future will be shaped by the choices made in these elections. Will it be a step towards genuine democracy and representation, or will it perpetuate the same old power structures? Only time will tell. Key Facts: The election will take place in several stages, with votes cast by committees in 62 electoral districts. The Supreme Committee for the People's Assembly Elections has been appointed to oversee the process. Critics argue that the committee is dominated by figures with ties to the previous regime. The electoral districts have been weighted by population to ensure equal representation. Sources: Interim Syrian government statement (June 2025) Interviews with Amal, Rami, and Dr. Faisal Research on Syria's electoral system and history *Based on reporting by Dw.*