By Atoun Jan
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian parliamentary life began during the final years of the Ottoman Empire, with the modern prelude being the convening of the Syrian National Congress in May 1919. This body, often judged as the first national parliament in modern Syrian history, laid the groundwork for a parliamentary tradition .
French Mandate Era (1920s–1946)
Under French Mandate rule, representative bodies emerged, including a council formed in 1920 (two-thirds elected, one-third appointed), and a Federation Council in 1922–23. The landmark year 1930 brought Syria’s constitution which established the House of Representatives with five-year elected terms. The first elections under this framework were held in December 1931–January 1932, leading to a parliamentary assembly that endorsed political leadership, including President Muhammad Ali al-Abid .
Post-Independence & Early Republican Period (1946–1950s)
Following independence in 1946, the first parliamentary elections occurred in July 1947. Syria’s nascent democracy was shocked by a string of military coups (1949–1953), during which parliamentary rule was repeatedly interrupted. The pivotal 1950 Constitution significantly bolstered parliamentary powers—though this was disrupted in 1951 by al-Shishakli’s coup, which introduced a presidential system via a new constitution in 1953. That constitution, however, was short-lived; by 1954, the 1950 constitutional order and parliamentary governance were restored .
Union, Coup, and Authoritarian Rule (1958–2011)
In 1958, under the short-lived United Arab Republic, Syria’s parliament was replaced by a UAR National Assembly. After secession in 1961, parliamentary elections resumed but were soon overshadowed by Ba’athist dominance starting from 1963. Although the People’s Assembly persisted, it largely served as a rubber stamp, with only Ba’ath-affiliated parties represented and limited genuine opposition. In the 1973 elections, the Ba’ath party and its National Progressive Front coalition secured a dominant share of seats, a pattern that persisted with symbolic “independents” present .
Post-Arab Spring to Present (2011–2025)
After the 2011 uprising and subsequent civil war, Syria’s legislative processes continued under severely contested conditions. The 2012 parliamentary elections introduced a multi-party façade, though opposition representation remained minimal. In July 2024, the last parliamentary elections under the Assad regime were held; the Ba’ath Party and its allies maintained overwhelming control, amid widely criticized electoral legitimacy .
Upcoming Parliamentary Elections Under the Sharia Government
The Sharaa‘s government has announced plans to hold parliamentary elections in the coming months, marking a significant step in its efforts to establish institutional legitimacy. However, the elections have drawn criticism due to the exclusion of key regions, including al-Hasakah, Raqqa, and Suwayda. Authorities cited security concerns and logistical challenges as reasons for this exclusion, though opponents argue that it effectively disenfranchises large segments of the population. Political analysts warn that this selective participation may undermine the credibility of the election results and raise questions about representative governance, as substantial portions of Syria remain outside the official electoral process