News|ElectionsSyrian electors vote in indirect polls for first post-Assad parliamentTwo-thirds of Syria’s new parliament will be chosen by electoral colleges, with the rest appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Syria is conducting parliamentary elections for the first time following the overthrow of former ruler Bashar al-Assad. This event marks a significant phase in the nation's transition after nearly 14 years of conflict.

The electoral process involves members of Syria's electoral colleges casting votes for new lawmakers. Criticism has been directed at the process for being undemocratic, as one-third of the 210 members of the restructured People's Assembly are directly appointed by interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. The remaining representatives are selected by electoral colleges throughout the country rather than through a direct public vote.

The People's Assembly consists of 210 seats. Of these, 140 are filled through votes by electoral colleges, with distribution based on district populations. The remaining 70 deputies are appointed by al-Sharaa. A total of 7,000 electoral college members from 60 districts participate in the voting process for the 140 seats.

Elections in the Druze-majority province of Suwayda and regions in the northeast controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces have been postponed indefinitely due to tensions with the central government in Damascus.

There has been notable criticism regarding the lack of a direct popular vote, with concerns about the concentration of power among Syria's new rulers. The absence of political campaigns and parties has been highlighted as a significant issue. Current candidates emerge from electoral colleges and run as independents, as existing political parties were dissolved following the end of al-Assad's regime.

The interim government, led by al-Sharaa, cites logistical challenges such as the displacement of Syrians and the absence of comprehensive electoral lists as reasons for not conducting direct elections. Concerns about the transparency and oversight of the process, particularly in the selection of subcommittees and electoral colleges, have been raised. Additionally, the representation of minorities and women remains inadequate, with only 14 percent of candidates being women.

The newly formed parliament faces several challenges, including economic recovery, security management, and ensuring representation across Syria's diverse population. The need to rebuild from the remnants of the al-Assad regime and address ongoing security concerns, such as territories under the control of Kurdish forces and other regional actors, are critical issues that the parliament will need to address.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.