Syria’s New Parliament: 70 Fresh Faces After Bashar’s Fall

Sun Sep 06 2026 13:23:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A fresh set of 70 lawmakers, including women and former prisoners, ready to shape Syria’s future.

Syrian Interim President Ahmed al‑Sharaa has just named the final 70 members of a 210‑seat transitional parliament scheduled to convene next week. The new body features 15 women and 13 former detainees, aiming to balance gender and opposition perspectives. President al‑Sharaa said the appointments would represent "the voice of sacrifice and experience" and include relatives of martyrs, experts and community leaders. Critics warn the president’s significant appointment power could override popular will and marginalise Kurdish groups, while UN officials highlight the fragile but essential transition ahead. The next assembly will debate new laws, review executive actions and confront unresolved sectarian tensions, especially in the Druze‑majority province of Suweida.

Who’s in Syria’s New Parliament?

Ahmed al‑Sharaa has named the final 70 members of a 210‑seat transitional parliament, set to open next week.

Out of the 70, 15 are women and 13 were imprisoned during the 13‑year Bashar al‑Assad war. The mix, including relatives of martyrs, academics, community leaders and even the actress Rouzaina Lazkani, aims to bring diverse voices next.

The president explained that his appointments reflect "the voice of sacrifice and the voice of experience, restoring national unity." Yet critics point out one‑third of national seats are presidentially appointed, potentially diluting opposition influence.

Regional delays remain: elections in Suweida (predominantly Druze) and the northern provinces of Raqqa and Hassakeh were postponed by security concerns. Kurdish parties and civil‑society groups also complained that the electoral system favoured exclusion.

UN deputy special envoy Claudio Cordone noted that the transition is "critical, sharp‑edge fragile." He highlighted progress on integrating SDF brigades and releasing detainees, but urged renewed focus on confidence‑building roadmaps for Suweida, where sectarian tensions could spur secessionist claims.

The upcoming parliament will be charged with debating new laws, reviewing executive actions, and ensuring all Syrians feel represented— a tall order in a country still healing from years of war.