First session of Syria’s parliament convenes after Assad’s ousting

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Syria’s transitional parliament convened its first session on Sunday, bringing together a newly formed assembly tasked with drafting a new constitution and laying the groundwork for democracy after decades of authoritarian rule. The session marked a historic shift after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, as reported by Al Jazeera, the Jerusalem Post, and the South China Morning Post.

Lawmakers took the constitutional oath in Damascus, with 206 of the 210 members present. The assembly elected constitutional law scholar Dr. Abdul Hamid al-Awak as speaker, with Mustafa Moussa and Dr. Madona Suhail Bashara elected as deputy speakers, according to a report carried by The Media Line and republished by the Jerusalem Post.

Coverage comparison

Coverage of the event varied across outlets, with some focusing on the parliament’s composition and procedural milestones, while others highlighted the political symbolism of the occasion. Al Jazeera reported that the parliament’s main role will be to draft a new constitution and lay the foundations for democracy, with President Ahmed al-Sharaa calling on lawmakers to put “national interest above all.” The outlet also noted the parliament’s 30-month term, during which it aims to draft a new elections law and prepare the ground for a popular vote.

The Jerusalem Post emphasized the diversity of the new parliament, highlighting the presence of female and minority representatives, including a Kurdish woman in traditional dress and a Syrian actress appointed by the president. The outlet also pointed to the absence of applause for President al-Sharaa during his speech, describing it as a symbolic break from the parliamentary traditions of the Assad era. The South China Morning Post focused on the parliament’s mandate to draft a new constitution and lay the groundwork for democracy after decades of authoritarian rule.

Key claims

The 210-seat legislature consists of 140 members chosen through elections and 70 members appointed by President al-Sharaa, as reported by multiple outlets including Al Jazeera and the South China Morning Post. Two-thirds of lawmakers were selected by regional electoral colleges, while the president appointed the remaining third. According to the Jerusalem Post, President al-Sharaa’s list of 70 appointees includes 15 women, raising the total number of female members to 22.

The parliament will serve a 30-month term, during which it is expected to review previous decrees, pass legislation, and begin drafting a new constitution, according to reports from Al Jazeera and the South China Morning Post. The assembly is also tasked with drafting a new elections law and preparing the ground for a popular vote.

Four seats remain vacant: three allocated to Suwayda province, where elections could not be held due to security concerns, and one representing Idlib following the death of a member, as reported by The Media Line and Al Jazeera. President al-Sharaa appointed two representatives from Suwayda, but the province has still not designated its full complement of members.

The session saw 206 lawmakers take the constitutional oath before electing the assembly’s leadership and forming a temporary legal committee to oversee parliamentary procedures, according to The Media Line report.

Perspectives

President Ahmed al-Sharaa: In his address to the parliament, al-Sharaa urged lawmakers to make the assembly “a model of responsibility and competence,” and to foster a culture of dialogue, the rule of law, and respect for institutions. He stressed that improving the economy, strengthening public services, and attracting international investment were key priorities for the parliament, Al Jazeera reported.

Parliamentary leadership: The newly elected speaker, Dr. Abdul Hamid al-Awak, is a constitutional law professor and former judge who defected from the previous government. He chaired the committee that drafted Syria’s constitutional declaration governing the transition and is a prominent advocate of the separation of powers and stronger parliamentary oversight, according to The Media Line report.

The Media Line: The news agency noted that what drew the greatest attention among Syrians was not the election of the assembly’s leadership or President al-Sharaa’s address, but what was absent: for the first time in decades, the president delivered his speech without the prolonged applause that characterized the Assad era.

Al Jazeera: The outlet reported that the selection process for parliament members was criticized as undemocratic, as local committees appointed by the electoral commission – which in turn was appointed by al-Sharaa – began selecting two-thirds of the members. The process was held in formerly Kurdish-run areas of the north and northeast earlier this year after authorities in Damascus assumed control there.