Syrian Legislative Elections Set for October 5

Sources told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath channels that the date for the Syrian People’s Assembly elections has been finalized for October 5, following a postponement from the previously scheduled period between September 15 and 20. The Supreme Electoral Committee explained that the delay was due to “purely logistical obstacles.”

On June 13, Syrian Interim Government Prime Minister Ahmed al-Shara issued Decree No. (66), which established the Supreme Electoral Committee headed by Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad, setting a period of 60 to 90 days to form the new People’s Assembly.

The interim electoral system stipulates that the Assembly consists of 210 seats, one-third of which are appointed directly by the president, while the remainder are selected through electoral bodies formed from sub-committees. This system was adopted exceptionally due to the difficulty of holding direct elections amid the lack of accurate civil registries caused by displacement and widespread destruction.

According to the timetable published by the committee, candidacies closed on September 11, followed by the publication of preliminary lists on September 12, appeals accepted between September 14 and 16, and final lists announced on September 18.

The committee also noted that the high number of candidates for the electoral bodies placed pressure on the sub-committees, necessitating additional time to verify files and ensure the integrity of the process. It pledged that the upcoming assembly would include representatives from various Syrian components and sectors.

Under the constitutional declaration, the new parliament will serve as a legislative authority for approximately two and a half years (30 months, renewable), until a permanent constitution is adopted and direct elections are held subsequently. Seats will be allocated to the provinces based on the 2011 census data