Damascus forms election committees in Raqqa, Hasakah, excluding AANES areas
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Syrian transitional government’s Supreme Committee for Parliamentary Elections announced on Wednesday the formation of sub-committees in parts of Raqqa and Hasakah governorates, while large areas under the control of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) remain excluded from the upcoming elections.
According to Resolution No. 30 of 2025, the committee approved the establishment of sub-committees in the two cities of Raqqa and Tel Abyad in Raqqa Governorate, and in Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain) city in Hasakah Governorate.
Notably, Tel Abyad and Sere Kaniye are currently under the control of Turkey-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) factions, not the AANES and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson for the Supreme Committee, told Syria TV that the elections had been postponed in three governorates (Hasakah, Raqqa, and Deir ez-Zor) due to “security and political conditions” that prevent the formation of sub-committees or voter bodies in line with legal standards.
The committee’s decision made no mention of the situation in Suwayda Governorate, where ongoing protests and anti-government sentiment have paralyzed state institutions since 2023.
Governorates under the AANES and SDF’s control are excluded from parliamentary elections organized by Damascus. However, Damascus authorities have established election committees in Raqqa city and in areas held by Turkey-backed forces, including Tel Abyad and Ras al-Ain, to maintain a symbolic presence and secure representation in parliament.
The move highlights the fragmented territorial control in Syria, where elections serve more as a tool of political legitimacy for Damascus than as a reflection of popular will.
In June, Syria’s Transitional President, Ahmad al-Sharaa, announced the formation of the Supreme Committee for Parliamentary Elections. On Aug. 23, the committee announced that the electoral process would be postponed in Suwayda, Hasakah, and Raqqa governorates, citing “security challenges.”
Commenting on the procedure, co-Chair of the AANES, Hussein Othman, said on Aug. 27 that the upcoming Syrian parliamentary elections are disappointing and lack legitimacy in their current form. He rejected the decision to postpone elections in northeastern regions under the pretext of security concerns, stressing, “AANES regions, according to reports and even international studies, are considered among the most secure areas in Syria.”