Syria has announced that it will hold parliamentary elections in September. This will be the first time the country votes under new leadership since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in a sudden rebel attack last December.

Elections Scheduled Between September 15 and 20

Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, who heads the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, told the state news agency SANA that voting will take place between September 15 and 20. He confirmed that this election marks a new chapter in Syria's political journey.

Seats to Be Divided Between Appointed and Elected Members

According to officials, the new parliament will consist of 210 seats. One-third of these will be filled by appointments from interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The remaining seats will be filled through public elections.

Meanwhile, another committee member, Hassan al-Daghim, explained in an interview with Erem News that electoral colleges will be set up in each Syrian province. These local bodies will manage voting for the elected seats.

Temporary Constitution Already in Place

In March, President al-Sharaa signed a temporary constitution. This document called for the creation of a People’s Committee to serve as a temporary parliament. It will remain in place until a permanent constitution is drafted and general elections are held—a process that might take several years.

Violence in Sweida Raises Doubts About Transition

However, the election announcement comes at a tense time. Recently, deadly sectarian clashes erupted in Sweida, a southern province. The violence has deepened divisions and shaken public confidence in the new government.

Two weeks ago, fighting began after armed Bedouin clans and Druze fighters kidnapped each other’s members. Syrian government forces stepped in, claiming to restore order. But in reality, they supported the Bedouin clans. Reports say that government troops executed Druze civilians and looted their homes.

Israel Responds to Protect Druze Minority

As the situation escalated, Israel launched airstrikes targeting Syrian government forces and the country’s Defense Ministry. Israeli officials said their actions aimed to protect the Druze community.

The upcoming parliamentary elections are a crucial test for Syria’s new leadership. However, growing unrest and sectarian violence pose serious challenges to the country's fragile political transition.