DEVELOPING: Syria's First Post-Assad Parliament Elections Underway Amid Tensions

Breaking News: Syria Holds First Post-Assad Parliamentary Elections Amid Tensions Syrian electoral college members are casting their ballots in the country's first parliamentary elections since Bashar Assad's ouster, with voting underway on Sunday, October 5, 2025. The polls are being held across Damascus and other major cities. The elections come as tensions run high, with opposition groups and activists expressing concerns over the legitimacy of the process. Despite promises of reform, the electoral system remains dominated by the Baath Party, which has a long history of rigging votes to maintain its grip on power. Under Assad's 50-year rule, Syria held regular elections that were widely regarded as sham polls. The only competitive aspect was the internal primary system within the Baath Party, where members vied for positions on the list. The current election process is expected to be closely watched by international observers and human rights groups, who are monitoring the situation for signs of electoral irregularities. This is a developing story, with updates to follow as more information becomes available. *This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Based on reporting from Npr.*