Syria Postpones First Session of Transitional Parliament Without Explanation

What happened

Al Jazeera Syria reports that the first meeting of Syria’s newly formed transitional parliament, originally scheduled for Monday, has been postponed indefinitely without a given reason, as announced by state television citing an electoral official.

This transitional assembly replaces the previous legislature which was dissolved after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, ending nearly 14 years of civil war that resulted in approximately half a million deaths. The new parliament is set to operate under a temporary constitution signed in March 2025, valid for a five-year transitional period.

The parliament’s 210 members are mostly appointed rather than elected: two-thirds selected by local committees formed by the electoral commission, itself appointed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who directly appointed the remaining third. The Druze-majority Suwayda province has yet to name its representatives due to last year’s sectarian violence, with electoral authorities stating appointments will proceed when conditions become suitable.

Known from the source

• The transitional parliament’s first session was postponed without explanation as reported by state television.
• The transitional parliament replaces the previous legislature after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.
• The temporary constitution was signed in March 2025, imposing a five-year transitional period.
• Two-thirds of the 210 parliamentary members are selected by local committees, one-third appointed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
• Suwayda province has not appointed members due to sectarian violence in 2025; selection is pending appropriate conditions.

What remains unclear

Earlier this year, authorities regained control over former Kurdish-run areas in the north and northeast, integrating Kurdish institutions into the state as part of the selection process for parliamentary members. The parliament’s stated mandate includes drafting a new elections law and preparing the ground for a future popular vote during its 30-month term.

What remains unclear: Verify if an official reason for the session delay is announced later. Confirm progress and exact timing for Suwayda’s member appointments. Check for official updates on the integration status of Kurdish institutions. Confirm the precise date if the session is rescheduled.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Al Jazeera Syria. Open the source.