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Syria: Are parliamentary elections a new beginning? - DW - 08/02/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, August 2nd 2025 at 20:43 GMT by DW
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Syria: Are Parliamentary Elections a New Beginning?

In the war-torn landscape of Syria, where over a decade of civil conflict has left deep scars on the nation's social, economic, and political fabric, the recent parliamentary elections have sparked a mix of skepticism and cautious optimism. Held on July 15, 2024, these elections were intended to select 250 members for the People's Assembly, Syria's legislative body. President Bashar al-Assad's government framed them as a step toward renewal and stability, but critics argue they are little more than a facade to legitimize the regime's grip on power. As Syria grapples with economic collapse, widespread displacement, and ongoing regional tensions, the question looms: Do these elections signal a genuine new beginning, or are they merely another chapter in the authoritarian playbook?

To understand the context, it's essential to revisit Syria's turbulent history. The civil war erupted in 2011 amid the Arab Spring uprisings, evolving into a brutal conflict that pitted Assad's forces against a fragmented opposition, including rebel groups, Islamist militants, and Kurdish militias. Backed by allies like Russia and Iran, Assad has managed to reclaim control over most of the country, though pockets of resistance remain, particularly in the northwest Idlib region held by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and in the northeast under Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths, millions of refugees, and an economy in ruins, with hyperinflation, widespread poverty, and sanctions from the West exacerbating the crisis. Against this backdrop, elections have been held periodically, but they are widely seen as orchestrated events in government-controlled areas, excluding vast swathes of the population in opposition-held territories.

The 2024 parliamentary vote was no exception. Organized under the auspices of the Assad regime, the elections were confined to areas under Damascus's control, effectively disenfranchising millions in rebel-held or autonomous regions. Candidates were vetted through a rigorous process dominated by the ruling Baath Party, which has held power since 1963. Out of approximately 11,000 applicants, only about 1,500 were approved to run, with the Baath Party and its allies securing the lion's share of seats. Preliminary results indicated that the Baath-led National Progressive Front won around 185 seats, maintaining its dominance. Independent candidates and smaller parties filled the rest, but many observers note that even these "independents" often align closely with the regime's interests.

Voter turnout was officially reported at around 38%, a figure that has drawn scrutiny for its potential inflation. In Damascus and other major cities like Aleppo and Homs, polling stations saw sporadic activity, with some voters expressing a desire for change amid dire living conditions. "We need jobs, electricity, and an end to corruption," one Damascus resident told reporters, encapsulating the frustrations of many who participated despite doubts about the process's fairness. However, apathy was rampant. In rural areas and among the youth, many boycotted the vote, viewing it as irrelevant to their daily struggles. The economic hardship is stark: Syria's currency has plummeted, with the black-market exchange rate for the Syrian pound hovering at levels that make basic goods unaffordable for most families. Sanctions imposed by the US and EU, aimed at punishing the regime for human rights abuses, have further isolated the economy, though they also impact ordinary citizens.

International reactions have been predictably critical. The United Nations and Western governments, including the United States and European Union members, dismissed the elections as neither free nor fair. They pointed to the lack of inclusivity, absence of independent monitoring, and the regime's history of suppressing dissent. "These elections do not meet the standards of credibility and do not contribute to a political solution," stated a spokesperson for the UN's special envoy for Syria. The process excluded Syrian refugees abroad, who number over 5 million, and internally displaced persons, further undermining its legitimacy. Opposition figures in exile, such as those from the Syrian National Coalition, labeled the vote a "sham" designed to entrench Assad's power rather than foster reconciliation.

Yet, within Syria, the regime portrays the elections as a milestone in national recovery. Assad, who secured another term in the 2021 presidential election with a reported 95% of the vote—also widely criticized—has emphasized themes of sovereignty and resilience against foreign interference. The newly elected parliament is expected to rubber-stamp policies that align with the executive branch, including economic reforms aimed at attracting investment from allies like China and the Gulf states. Recent overtures from Arab nations, such as Syria's readmission to the Arab League in 2023, suggest a thawing of regional isolation. Countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have shown interest in normalizing ties, potentially injecting much-needed funds into reconstruction efforts. However, these developments are tempered by ongoing issues, including the Captagon drug trade, which has become a lucrative shadow economy for the regime, and persistent human rights violations, such as arbitrary detentions and torture in prisons like Sednaya.

For many Syrians, the elections highlight the enduring challenges of political reform in a one-party dominant system. The People's Assembly, while theoretically empowered to draft laws and oversee the government, operates under the shadow of Assad's presidency and the pervasive influence of security apparatuses. Past parliaments have failed to address core grievances, such as the release of political prisoners or accountability for war crimes. Activists argue that true change requires a comprehensive political process, as outlined in UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for a transitional government, a new constitution, and free elections under international supervision. Without these, the current vote is seen as perpetuating the status quo.

Looking ahead, the elections could influence Syria's trajectory in subtle ways. A more diverse parliament, even if superficially so, might push for incremental reforms to alleviate economic woes. For instance, there are discussions about liberalizing trade and attracting foreign investment to rebuild infrastructure devastated by years of bombing and neglect. Cities like Aleppo, once Syria's industrial heartland, lie in ruins, and elections could serve as a platform for advocating reconstruction projects. However, skepticism abounds. "It's the same faces, the same system," remarked a Syrian analyst based in Beirut. The regime's alliances with Russia and Iran provide military and economic lifelines, but they also tie Syria to geopolitical rivalries, complicating any path to genuine reform.

The humanitarian dimension cannot be overlooked. With over 90% of Syrians living below the poverty line and food insecurity affecting millions, the elections underscore the disconnect between political theater and ground realities. Aid organizations report that funding shortfalls have forced cuts in essential services, exacerbating malnutrition and disease. The ongoing earthquake recovery from the 2023 disaster, which killed thousands in northern Syria, adds another layer of urgency. In opposition areas, parallel governance structures, such as those in Idlib, operate independently, holding their own local elections that, while flawed, offer a contrast to the regime's centralized control.

In essence, while the Assad government hails the parliamentary elections as a new beginning, they appear more as a consolidation of power than a catalyst for transformation. For a country yearning for peace and prosperity, meaningful change would require inclusive dialogue, international engagement, and a genuine commitment to democracy—elements conspicuously absent from this electoral exercise. As Syria navigates its uncertain future, the world watches to see if these polls will pave the way for reconciliation or merely prolong the divisions that have defined the nation for over a decade. The path to a true new beginning remains fraught with obstacles, but the resilience of the Syrian people offers a glimmer of hope amid the prevailing gloom. (Word count: 1,048)