Syrians participated in parliamentary elections on Monday, with the main focus being a potential constitutional amendment to extend President Bashar Assad's term. This election marks the fourth since the onset of the civil war in 2011, with 1,516 government-approved candidates vying for the 250-seat People’s Assembly.
Notably, diaspora Syrians are ineligible to vote in parliamentary elections, unlike presidential ones. The voting took place in 15 districts across government-held areas, with 8,151 polling stations set up. In Sweida, anti-government sentiments led to calls for a boycott, and protesters attempted to disrupt the process by seizing ballot boxes.
Campaigning was subdued, focusing on broad themes like national unity and prosperity. The Baath Party secured a significant number of seats in the 2020 elections, with 166 going to the party and 17 to its allies. Independent candidates claimed 67 seats.
Experts highlighted the crucial role of the Baath Party primary process in determining the final list of candidates. The party's dominance in the selection process virtually guarantees its nominees' success in the elections. This year, a lower number of incumbents made the final list, indicating internal changes within the Baath party.
Analysts pointed out that the Baath party and its allies are close to amassing the required parliamentary majority to propose a constitutional amendment. With only a handful of slots available for independent candidates, the likelihood of a significant opposition bloc emerging is slim.
Given Assad's term limits set to expire in 2028, the upcoming parliament is expected to push for a constitutional amendment to extend his presidency. The election results are anticipated to shape the political landscape in Syria in the coming years.
