Syria recently held its fourth parliamentary elections since the 2011 revolution, but these were limited to the 60% of the country controlled by the Bashar Al-Assad regime. Predictably, the ruling Baath Party secured more than two-thirds of the seats, an outcome that surprised few observers familiar with Syria’s tightly controlled political landscape. Most Syrians understood that this election was a mere formality, unlikely to change the dynamics of Syria’s political life.
Opposition groups were quick to dismiss the elections as “a farce” and “a repetition of all previous elections,” arguing that the process served only the ruling authority. They pointed out that the elections violated United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a transitional governing body to draft a new constitution and conduct internationally monitored elections.
Officially, voter turnout on July 15 was reported at 38%, a figure many believe to be inflated given that half of the Syrian population is either displaced or under the voting age of 18. The government barred independent monitoring, making it difficult to verify turnout numbers. Without lists of registered voters and with ballots including only Baath Party candidates, the election’s transparency was highly questionable.
In a press statement, President Assad described the election as a “constitutional right” and emphasized the importance of the People’s Assembly in the country’s development. However, the 2012 Syrian constitution grants Assad extensive powers over parliament, including the ability to dissolve it, assume legislative functions, and amend the constitution with a simple majority.
Opposition leaders, like Badr Jamous of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, argue that such power dynamics render the parliament powerless. They criticize the election for failing to adhere to the political processes outlined in Resolution 2254, which includes drafting a new constitution and ensuring free elections under UN oversight. They assert that the current setup stifles political plurality and hinders meaningful democratic reform.
The international community has echoed these concerns, questioning the credibility of the elections. Western officials criticized the lack of transparency and the violation of UN Resolution 2254, viewing the elections as a testament to the Assad regime’s ongoing grip on power.
