Syria's New 210-Seat Parliament Opens in Damascus Under Temporary Constitutional Rules

Syria's new parliament convened for the first time on Sunday in Damascus, 19 months after rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad. Al-Monitor reported that the 210-seat chamber opened its session under a temporary constitutional declaration introduced in 2025 that grants parliament limited authorities.

Two-thirds of the members were chosen last year by regional electoral colleges, while Sharaa named the remaining third on July 1.

The chamber includes 21 female lawmakers, 15 of whom were nominated by Sharaa. Unofficial tallies show that 10 of the seats chosen last year went to members of religious and ethnic minorities, including Kurds, Christians and Alawites. Four seats remain vacant.

The Assembly has a 30-month renewable term and assumes legislative authority until a permanent constitution is adopted and elections are organized. Sharaa has said he supports holding general elections once infrastructure and documentation allow.