**Syria Delays First Session of Transitional Parliament Without Explanation**
*Damascus, Syria – July 5, 2026* – The inaugural session of Syria's newly established transitional parliament has been postponed, just days after it was initially scheduled to convene. State television announced on Sunday that the first meeting of the People's Assembly would be delayed to a date yet to be determined, citing an electoral official but providing no further explanation for the postponement.
This delay comes in the wake of significant political changes in Syria following the ousting of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The transition was marked by nearly 14 years of civil conflict, which resulted in the deaths of approximately half a million people. In March 2025, the newly appointed President Ahmed al-Sharaa enacted a temporary constitution that is set to govern the country for a five-year transitional period.
The formation of the transitional parliament is a critical step in Syria's political restructuring. The new assembly consists of 210 members, with two-thirds selected by local committees appointed by the electoral commission, which was established under President al-Sharaa’s administration. The remaining third of the members are to be appointed directly by the president. As of this week, al-Sharaa has appointed 70 members to the parliament.
However, the selection process has faced challenges, particularly in the Druze-majority province of Suwayda in southern Syria, where sectarian violence had erupted last year. Local electoral authorities have indicated that the selection of representatives from this region will occur only when conditions are deemed “appropriate.”
Earlier this year, the electoral process was successfully carried out in areas previously controlled by Kurdish forces in the north and northeast. This was made possible after the central government in Damascus regained control over these regions and reached agreements to integrate Kurdish institutions into the state framework.
The transitional parliament is expected to serve a 30-month term, during which it will focus on drafting a new electoral law and preparing for a popular vote. Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, head of the electoral committee, emphasized the importance of this assembly in shaping the future political landscape of Syria.
The postponement of the inaugural session raises questions about the stability and readiness of the new political framework, as the country continues to navigate the complexities of its post-conflict recovery. Observers will be keen to see how the transitional government addresses the ongoing challenges, including the integration of various political factions and the restoration of order in regions affected by violence.
As the situation develops, the international community remains watchful of Syria's political evolution, particularly in light of the humanitarian crises that have persisted throughout the civil war and the subsequent transition. The next steps taken by the transitional parliament will be crucial in determining the direction of the country in the coming years.