Syria’s transitional parliament convened its inaugural session on Sunday, charged with drafting a new constitution and establishing democratic foundations after decades of authoritarian governance.
Following the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the new authorities dissolved the former rubber-stamp legislature and adopted a temporary constitutional declaration to govern a five-year transition period.
In a process criticised for its democratic deficits, local committees appointed by an electoral commission — itself selected by President Ahmed al-Sharaa — began choosing two-thirds of the 210 parliamentary members in October of last year.
Sharaa is expected to appoint the remaining 70 members this week.
Sunday’s session opened with 206 members present. Representatives from the Druze-majority Sweida province in the south were absent, along with one deceased member.
Sweida has yet to designate its delegation following sectarian violence there last year, though Sharaa appointed two representatives from the province.
