The Syrian Arab Republic is preparing for a landmark moment in its political history, as the country sets the stage for parliamentary elections scheduled between September 15 and 20, 2025. These elections are the first to take place under Syria’s transitional government, led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, following the removal of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The event signifies a crucial milestone in the nation’s efforts to rebuild its political system after more than a decade of civil war and unrest.
The Transition from Assad’s Rule
After years of autocratic rule under Bashar al-Assad, Syria entered a transitional phase following his ousting in December 2024. A temporary constitution, signed in March 2025, now governs the country, setting the framework for this month’s parliamentary elections. According to Reuters, this interim charter allows for the establishment of a transitional parliament, known as the People’s Committee, which will function until a permanent constitution is adopted and general elections are held. The transitional period is expected to span five years.
While the interim government has been hailed for dismantling Assad-era structures, critics argue that it has concentrated too much power in the hands of President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Furthermore, the temporary constitution has faced backlash for not adequately representing Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious communities. These challenges underline the complex political landscape in which the elections will take place.
Election Structure and Delays
The parliamentary elections will see the selection of 210 lawmakers, with two-thirds of the seats filled by local councils and the remaining one-third appointed by President al-Sharaa. However, the process has been marred by delays in certain regions. According to The National News, elections will not be held in the Druze-majority province of Sweida and the Kurdish-controlled areas of Hasaka and Raqqa due to ongoing security concerns. These regions have witnessed violent clashes in recent months, making it unsafe to conduct the vote. As a result, the seats allocated to these provinces will remain vacant until conditions improve.
The decision to postpone voting in these areas underscores the fragile security situation in Syria. Sweida, for instance, experienced deadly clashes in July involving Druze fighters, Sunni Bedouin tribes, and government forces. Meanwhile, tensions persist in Kurdish-held territories, where efforts to integrate local institutions into the central government have stalled. These delays highlight the broader challenges facing Syria’s transitional authorities as they attempt to stabilize the country.
Economic Challenges Add Complexity
In addition to political and security hurdles, Syria continues to grapple with severe economic difficulties. The Syrian pound has lost over 99% of its value since the onset of the civil war in 2011, plunging the nation into a deep financial crisis. As reported by RBC-Ukraine, the Central Bank of Syria recently announced plans to issue new banknotes, removing two zeros from the currency in an effort to restore public confidence. This move, while necessary, underscores the economic instability that complicates Syria’s path to recovery.
The devaluation of the currency has made daily transactions increasingly cumbersome for citizens, who often carry large bundles of cash to make basic purchases. The introduction of new banknotes is expected to give the government better control over the monetary system, yet it remains to be seen how effective this measure will be in addressing the country’s broader economic woes.
Implications for Syria’s Future
The upcoming parliamentary elections are a critical test for Syria’s interim government. Success would bolster the legitimacy of the transitional authorities and pave the way for broader reforms. However, the elections also risk deepening existing divisions if they fail to address the concerns of marginalized groups, including ethnic minorities and residents of conflict-affected regions.
International observers will be closely watching the elections, as they represent a rare opportunity for Syria to chart a new course after years of conflict and authoritarian rule. The transitional government’s ability to navigate these challenges will play a key role in determining the country’s future trajectory.
As Syria embarks on this critical chapter, the road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty. Yet, the parliamentary elections offer a glimmer of hope for a nation striving to rebuild and reconcile its fractured society.