Syria to Hold First Parliamentary Election Since al-Assad's Fall on October 5

Syria Sets October Date for First Election Since al-Assad's Fall DAMASCUS, Syria - The Syrian government announced on Sunday that the country will hold its first parliamentary election since the fall of President Bashar al-Assad in October. The vote is scheduled to take place on October 5, with members of the parliament elected across all electoral districts. The decision was made by interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa during a meeting with a US delegation led by General Michael Kurilla, the new head of the US military's Central Command, according to sources close to the meeting. The election is seen as a crucial step in rebuilding state institutions and gaining legitimacy for the new government. "This is an important milestone for Syria," said Dr. Ammar Al-Sayed, a Syrian analyst based in Damascus. "The election will help to establish a more representative parliament that reflects the diversity of the country's population." However, some critics have expressed concerns about the electoral process. "We are worried that the election may not be free and fair," said Rami Abdul Rahman, a human rights activist based in Idlib. "The government has a history of suppressing opposition voices and manipulating the electoral process to its advantage." The Syrian government has maintained that the election will be transparent and inclusive, with all eligible citizens able to participate. "We are committed to ensuring that the election is free from any interference or manipulation," said a government spokesperson. The election comes as part of regional and international efforts to stabilize Syria after years of civil war. The country's infrastructure and institutions have been severely damaged, and many Syrians remain displaced or in need of humanitarian assistance. The new parliament will consist of 210 members, with one-third appointed directly by President Al-Sharaa. The remaining seats will be elected through a proportional representation system. As the election approaches, the international community is watching closely to see how it unfolds. "We are monitoring the situation closely and urge all parties to ensure that the election is peaceful and inclusive," said a spokesperson for the United Nations. The outcome of the election is likely to have significant implications for Syria's future. A more representative parliament could help to establish a more stable government, while also providing a platform for opposition voices to be heard. In related news, the US delegation led by General Kurilla met with President Al-Sharaa on Sunday to discuss regional security issues and cooperation between the two countries. The meeting was seen as an important step in improving relations between Syria and the US. The election is expected to take place across all 15 electoral districts in Syria, with voting stations set up in major cities and towns. Eligible citizens will be able to cast their ballots on October 5, with results announced shortly after. As the country prepares for its first parliamentary election since al-Assad's fall, many Syrians remain hopeful that it will mark a new era of stability and democracy. However, concerns about the electoral process and government manipulation continue to linger, leaving the outcome uncertain. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*