Are the next elections a turning point in Syria? | policy

The upcoming People’s Assembly elections in Syria are a detailed station in the path of rebuilding the state and society, after decades of authoritarian rule that relied on the tools of repression, and employed legislation to serve narrow interests, leaving behind a legal legacy that disrupted political and social freedoms, and hindered economic and human development.

This electoral entitlement is not just a formal procedure, but rather an indispensable step to consolidate a new legislative structure that expresses the aspirations of the Syrians, and is identical to the requirements of the current stage. The next path necessarily imposes the adoption of a radical political and legislative approach, which is cut off with the laws of the defunct regime, which burdened the state and society, and was one of the most prominent obstacles to the comprehensive national advancement.

Since the issuance of Presidential Decree No. 66 to form the Supreme Elections Committee, preparations began to be carried out at an accelerated pace. However, the complex Syrian reality, due to the absence of accurate statistics after years of displacement, displacement, and the dispersion of the population inside and outside the country, in addition to the great disparity in the security conditions between the regions, put before the committee real challenges that hinder the holding of direct and comprehensive elections in this sensitive stage.

Based on these data, the Supreme Committee decided to adopt an indirect election mechanism, as a temporary strategic option, with the aim of expanding the base of political participation, and ensuring possible elections in light of the current security and social conditions.

Within the interim vision developed by the Supreme Elections Committee, an electoral perception that adapts to the difficulty of the transitional phase was adopted, taking into account the absence of updated population data and the variation of the security situation between the governorates.

Accordingly, the committee adopted an indirect election mechanism based on the formation of sub -committees in each region, whose task is to choose voter bodies whose members range between 30 and 50 people for each parliamentary seat, and these are the election of their representatives in the People’s Assembly.

To ensure transparency and confidentiality, the elections are held in closed ballot rooms, while allowing the challenge of voter lists and election results, as part of the integrity and control mechanisms.

With regard to the distribution of seats, geographical and social representation was taken into account, as 20% were allocated to women in the electorate, 70% for people with scientific and professional competencies, and 30% for dignitaries and notables with social experience, with a special representation of youth groups, war injured, and people with special needs.

Despite the challenges and criticisms that this mechanism may face, it represents a necessary step towards expanding the base of political participation in line with the complex reality of the country, and seeks to form a council capable of representing the various components of society in a balanced and effective manner.

It is not afraid that the prevailing mental image of segments of Syrian society around the People’s Assembly is still influenced by the deposits of the previous regime and its repressive practices, which puts the supreme committee in front of an additional challenge in building citizens’ confidence in the electoral process and its credibility.

This stereotype affects citizens’ confidence in the electoral process, and raises questions about the neutrality and independence of the committee. Despite this, the Supreme Committee affirms its absolute commitment to neutrality and objectivity in managing the electoral process, while taking care to consolidate the principles of transparency and accountability, as a way to restore societal confidence.

The committee began taking actual steps in this direction, most notably the involvement of civil society organizations in the process, and giving them an awareness and training role within the electoral districts.

On the political and social level, the Syrian scene faces deep divisions that are not limited to immediate differences, but extend to the disintegration of society, even within what is known as the incubator of the revolution. These divisions were not the result of the moment, but rather the result of systematic policies that the defunct regime had been adopted over more than five decades, aiming to weaken society and prevent the crystallization of a unified opposition or a national consensual formula.

In light of this reality, the basic challenge highlights: How can these multiple currents be represented within the People’s Assembly? Despite the difficulty of satisfying all parties, the formation of a council that expresses the Syrian political and social diversity is not a luxury, but rather a necessity to achieve stability, to overcome polarization, and start towards a new social contract. The basic role of the council is legislation, not satisfaction.

Within the framework of strengthening social justice and balance in representation, the Supreme Elections Committee was keen to allocate a percentage of no less than 20% of the electorate of women, in a move aimed at breaking the cultural and social restrictions that have always hindered the access of women to decision sites.

But this numerical representation is not a final goal in itself, but rather is part of a more comprehensive approach based on the need to choose qualified competencies and able to face challenges. The new People’s Assembly, to be active, needs members who possess legislative experiences, political vision, and the ability to formulate laws that respond to the aspirations of the Syrians, and support the construction of a democratic, economist, and political and social homeland.

The People’s Assembly elections open a real door for deep legislative reforms, aimed at ending the work of the underdeveloped laws designed by the previous regime; To serve a narrow elite at the expense of all citizens.

It is the responsibility of the new council that the drafting of the legislation according to a comprehensive national vision, taking into account the principles of rights and freedoms, and keeping pace with the aspirations of the Syrians in building a state based on law and development.

At the same time, these elections constitute an opportunity for national recovery, by finding a political platform that allows dialogue and consensus, and embodies the popular will in all its spectra. The success of this electoral path will be an indication of the ability of the Syrians to overcome deep divisions, build democratic institutions that express their voice, and establish a real participatory future.

In light of these complex circumstances, the People’s Assembly elections are no longer merely a protocol, but rather a political battle parallel to the importance of the battles that the Syrians fought for political liberation. It is a real opportunity to launch a new legislative system that ends the stage of detailed laws on the size of power, and gives way to laws that stimulate development, guarantee dignity, and protect rights.

Hence, the wide participation in this electoral entitlement becomes a national duty, not an option, because the construction of the future Syria will only take place through a popular will stemming from a deep political awareness, cut off with the era of repression, and paves the way for a fair democratic society that respects rights and freedoms.