Syrian Elections Mark Uncertain Shift as Qaq Returns to Politics

UPDATE: Syrian elections held on October 5, 2025, signal a potential turning point in the nation’s political landscape as Adham Masoud al-Qaq makes his return to the fray after decades of exile. Following the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, these elections are the first since Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed the presidency, but many question their legitimacy and the extent of any real change.

In a move that some view as a continuation of authoritarian practices, Sharaa’s government has implemented a tiered electoral college system, allowing a mere 6,000 delegates to elect 119 of the 210 seats in a parliament with limited actual power. This election was characterized by low voter turnout, with only a few thousand participating, raising concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of the process.

Qaq, who had previously faced imprisonment under Hafez al-Assad for advocating democratic reforms, returned to Syria with hopes of spearheading change. However, he expressed concerns about the election integrity, stating, “We could clearly sense that this or that person would win as a representative before the voting even took place.”

The elections were held under a constitutional declaration issued by Sharaa in March, establishing a five-year transitional period. Despite the declaration allegedly granting legislative powers to the assembly, critics argue it lacks the authority to challenge executive decisions. “You can’t really call these elections,” remarked Radwan Ziadeh, a senior fellow at the Arab Center Washington DC, emphasizing the limited nature of the assembly’s powers.

Amidst this political backdrop, Sharaa has been busy with international diplomacy, meeting with prominent leaders such as Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, further diverting attention from the elections. His appointments for the remaining 70 seats, which are to be directly selected by the president, remain unfilled as of now, leading to speculation about the government’s priorities.

The electoral process itself has faced heavy scrutiny. Many citizens were unaware that elections were even occurring, highlighting the opaque nature of the system. Basem Hamzeh, a member of the electoral committee, reported, “Only those selected were allowed to run, and the candidates had already been chosen.”

Women and minority representation was notably lacking, with only six seats won by women and ten seats by minority candidates, including Kurds and Christians. The overwhelming majority of seats went to Sunni men from the administrative elite, raising questions about genuine representation in this new political framework.

Despite the challenges, some candidates displayed enthusiasm for the democratic process, with events showcasing a desire for civic engagement. Qaq, although he did not secure a seat, emphasized the importance of building a civil state, drawing on historical examples to inspire a new political discourse.

As the political landscape in Syria continues to evolve, the implications of these elections remain to be seen. The international community will be watching closely as Sharaa navigates both internal challenges and significant diplomatic engagements.

The future of Syrian governance hangs in the balance, and the call for true democratic representation persists among those who have long been denied a voice.