The first parliament in Syria’s post-Assad era has begun its legislative duties, marking a significant political shift following the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. The new 210-member legislature, established after more than 13 years of civil war that claimed approximately half a million lives, convened on Wednesday in Damascus.

This development signifies the nation's commitment to moving forward with drafting new laws and rebuilding the country after decades of authoritarian rule. The establishment of a new parliament is a key step in the transition process, aiming to lay the groundwork for a more representative political future.

The head of Syria’s electoral committee, Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, announced that the parliament's first official meeting is scheduled for Monday. During this session, the newly appointed members will be sworn in, and the parliament's presidential council will be elected. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa directly appoints one-third of the parliament's seats, a process that has shaped the composition of the current body.

The implications of this new parliament are far-reaching, as it is tasked with drafting a new elections law and preparing for future popular votes. This legislative body will operate on a 30-month term, indicating a period of foundational legal and political restructuring.

Al-Sharaa's appointments include 70 legislators, among them 15 women, bringing the total number of female members in the legislature to 22. The selection process also aimed to ensure representation from various minority groups. While the initial parliamentary elections held in October last year excluded certain regions, including Suwayda and northeast Syria, subsequent steps have been taken to broaden representation.

A vote in northeast Syria was held in May after government forces gained control of the area. The new parliament now includes representatives from the Alawite community and two legislators from Suwayda. Al Jazeera’s Obaida Hitto reported from Damascus that presidentially appointed members helped to increase the representation of minority groups, such as the Kurdish community, from the Hasakah governorate.

Syria's journey towards establishing this new legislative body has been complex. The first phase of elections in October excluded the southern province of Suwayda due to security concerns, with no date set for a vote there. Similarly, northeast Syria, then under Kurdish control, was excluded from the initial vote.

The parliament's agenda includes critical tasks such as revising electoral laws and preparing for future democratic processes. This period is crucial for establishing new governance structures and fostering stability in a nation recovering from prolonged conflict.