Summary
Syria is holding its first parliamentary elections since Bashar Assad was removed from power in December. The elections will fill most seats in the country's parliament, but one-third will be appointed directly. The vote is not a popular election due to challenges in creating an accurate voter registry.
Key Facts
- Syria is having parliamentary elections for the first time since Bashar Assad was ousted.
- Two-thirds of the parliament's 210 seats will be elected; one-third will be appointed.
- Voting is done by electoral colleges in districts, not by a popular vote.
- Elections in parts of Syria, like Sweida and Kurdish-controlled areas, are postponed due to local tensions.
- Around 6,000 electoral college members will vote for about 120 seats across 50 districts.
- The interim government dissolved existing political parties, and candidates are running as individuals.
- The interim authorities cite a lack of accurate voter registry for not holding a popular vote.
- The newly elected parliament will serve for 30 months while preparations for future elections are made.
