Syria’s Parliamentary Elections: Disproportionate Representation for Women and Minorities

In a historic turn of events, Syria has moved forward with parliamentary elections following the fall of Bashar al-Assad last year. However, concerns have arisen over the representation within the newly elected body. The preliminary results reveal a stark underrepresentation of women and minority groups in the parliament—a reflection that does not align with their societal roles.

According to an official from the election commission, only 4% of the 119 selected candidates are women. Furthermore, just two Christian representatives have been elected, sparking criticism given the significant Christian population in Syria. The election did not favor Jewish candidate Henry Hamra either, despite previous calls by Syrian women urging new leaders not to strip away their rights.

The elections were held under the leadership of Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has the potential to ensure better representation for various groups. As president, he can appoint one-third of the parliament’s members. Al-Sharaa himself is an Alawite. However, international news agency Reuters reports that only six women have secured seats in a 210-member parliament, and at least ten elected representatives belong to minority groups.

The setup of these elections has been criticized for excluding votes from regions outside government control, such as areas held by Kurds. This exclusion results in several parliamentary seats remaining vacant. Authorities argue that organizing an inclusive election was not feasible so soon after years of civil conflict, citing a lack of reliable population data.

These first post-Assad elections are unique but highlight ongoing challenges in achieving equitable representation for all Syrians. As the country navigates its political future, the international community watches closely to see how Syria will address these disparities and work towards inclusive governance.

For more insights into this pivotal moment in Syrian history, explore related topics such as Bashar al-Assad’s regime, the Syrian civil war, and ongoing discussions on electoral reforms.

原始文章来源：RTL Nieuws