Syria Holds First Parliamentary Elections Since Assad's Ouster, but Some Provinces Remain Excluded

Syria Holds First Elections Since Assad's Ouster, but Not in All Provinces BEIRUT - Syria held its first parliamentary elections on Sunday since the ouster of Bashar al-Assad last December, amid concerns over inclusivity and successive delays. The polls, however, were postponed in two Kurdish-controlled provinces and a third that saw deadly fighting between government forces and Druze militias. According to Reuters, electoral colleges will select representatives for two-thirds of the 210 seats, while Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa will appoint the rest. Sharaa's forces ousted Assad after a 13-year civil war, which left thousands dead and millions displaced. In a speech at the UN General Assembly last week, Sharaa promised to bring to justice everyone responsible for the bloodshed, as well as those who committed human rights abuses during the conflict. "We will not forget the victims of this brutal regime," he said. The elections were delayed several times due to security concerns and logistical issues. Authorities cited these reasons for postponing the polls in Hasakah, Qamishli, and Daraa provinces. The clashes in Daraa in July marked the latest outbreak of sectarian violence in Syria since Assad's overthrow. "This is a significant step towards stability and democracy," said Dr. Ammar al-Hassan, a Syrian political analyst. "However, the lack of inclusivity and representation for certain groups raises concerns about the legitimacy of these elections." Opposition leaders have also expressed skepticism about the polls, citing the absence of key opposition figures and the dominance of Assad's loyalists in the electoral colleges. The elections are expected to pave the way for a new constitution and a transitional government. However, the process is likely to be contentious, with different factions vying for power and influence. In the meantime, Sharaa has vowed to address the country's deep-seated problems, including corruption, poverty, and sectarian divisions. "We will work tirelessly to rebuild our nation and bring hope back to its people," he said in his UN speech. The outcome of these elections remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Syria's future hangs in the balance as it navigates a complex web of politics, power struggles, and competing interests. *Reporting by Bbc.*