The committee which organised Syria's first parliamentary elections since the fall of Bashar al-Assad has acknowledged 'significant shortcomings,' after results showed only 13% of the seats contested were won by female and minority candidates.
Observers said six women and 10 members of religious and ethnic minorities were among the 119 people elected to the new People's Assembly on Sunday. There was no direct popular vote; instead, electoral colleges selected representatives for two-thirds of the 210 seats. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is appointing the rest.
An election committee spokesman stated that the president's choices might 'compensate' for the underrepresented components of society. Twenty-one seats were not filled due to security issues during the polls in Kurdish-controlled provinces and regions with ongoing conflict.
Sharaa declared the elections a 'historic moment' and emphasized the parliament's important oversight role. However, ongoing sectarian violence raises concerns about the nation's unity.
This election's outcome has sparked discussions about women's representation and the rights of Christians in Syria, who account for approximately 10% of the population. Despite these challenges, officials are assuring commitments to improve future electoral processes.
Observers said six women and 10 members of religious and ethnic minorities were among the 119 people elected to the new People's Assembly on Sunday. There was no direct popular vote; instead, electoral colleges selected representatives for two-thirds of the 210 seats. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa is appointing the rest.
An election committee spokesman stated that the president's choices might 'compensate' for the underrepresented components of society. Twenty-one seats were not filled due to security issues during the polls in Kurdish-controlled provinces and regions with ongoing conflict.
Sharaa declared the elections a 'historic moment' and emphasized the parliament's important oversight role. However, ongoing sectarian violence raises concerns about the nation's unity.
This election's outcome has sparked discussions about women's representation and the rights of Christians in Syria, who account for approximately 10% of the population. Despite these challenges, officials are assuring commitments to improve future electoral processes.
