Syria’s Supreme Committee for People’s Assembly Elections has issued executive instructions for the country’s interim electoral law and begun swearing in subcommittees across most provinces, marking a key step toward parliamentary elections under Presidential Decree No. 143 of 2025.
Decision No. 28, published September 3, outlined regulations for constituency distribution, formation of electoral bodies, nomination procedures and voting mechanisms. Administrative regions will serve as electoral districts, with seats apportioned based on the 2011 census. Adjustments are allowed to ensure fair representation.
Appeals committees at the governorate level and subcommittees of at least three members are being established to oversee local processes. Members are sworn in collectively before assuming duties, with headquarters located in district centers or designated by the Higher Committee.
Rules for Electoral Bodies
Subcommittees will form electoral bodies through consultations. Preliminary lists must double the number of available seats, with at least 70% from professionals and 30% from community notables. Women must make up 20%, while 3% of seats are reserved for people with disabilities and those linked to the Syrian revolution. Appeals are permitted before final lists are confirmed.
Only members of electoral bodies may run for the Assembly. Applications must be filed within five days of the final lists. Campaigning is limited to one week and must avoid defamation, sectarian appeals or incitement. Voting will occur nationwide in a single day, with transparent ballot boxes, secret booths and public counting.
Oath-Taking and Appointments
Supreme Committee spokesperson Dr. Nawar Najma said subcommittees in Damascus, Rural Damascus, Daraa and Quneitra will convene at the People’s Assembly headquarters, while committee members supervise proceedings in other provinces. Resolution No. 26 appointed subcommittee members in Aleppo, Quneitra, Homs, Latakia and Deir Ezzor. In Deir Ezzor, members were sworn in before provincial authorities, with ten Assembly seats allocated across three districts.
Elections have been postponed in Suwayda, Hasaka and Raqqa due to “security conditions.” Najma said the decision reflects the committee’s “keenness to ensure fair representation,” noting that seats will remain reserved until voting can take place.
Subcommittees’ Pivotal Role
Najma described subcommittees as “pivotal,” responsible for forming electoral bodies, managing polling, supervising counts and announcing results. He stressed that appointments focused on competence, integrity and inclusivity including women’s representation.
Najma also acknowledged public dissatisfaction with the name “People’s Assembly,” saying it may be changed in the next session to better reflect Syria’s new phase. The Assembly’s first session will be held within a week of the presidential decree announcing results. Chaired by the oldest member, it will include elections for leadership positions by secret ballot.
