Commencement of Legislative Activities of Syria's First Popular Council After Assad

Following the end of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024, the composition of the newly established People’s Council as part of the political transition process has been completed. In accordance with the constitutional declaration prepared by the transitional administration, the 210-member council is expected to carry out legislative activities during the transition period, draft new electoral legislation, and address reforms related to the constitutional transformation. Thus, the first legislative body formed after the fall of the Assad regime has officially entered the operational phase.

The members of the People’s Council consist of elected representatives and members appointed by the President. In the first phase of elections held on 6 October 2025, 119 members were elected. Subsequent elections in the regions of Raqqa, Hasakah and Ayn al-Arab (Kobani) increased this number to 140.

^{Appointment of the 70 Members Constituting One Third of the People’s Council (1 July 2026) (Anadolu Agency)}

In accordance with the constitutional declaration, the 70 members constituting one third of the council were appointed on 1 July 2026 by Presidential Decree No. 143 issued by President Ahmed al-Shara. With this, the membership structure of the 210-seat People’s Council has been completed, paving the way for the council to begin its legislative work.

Mohammed Taha al-Ahmed, Chairman of the High Election Committee, stated that the presidential appointments were designed to bring together individuals who demonstrated dedication during the transition process and experts with experience in various fields within the same legislative body. He also emphasized that the council was intended to have an inclusive structure representing the diverse social, ethnic and sectarian segments of Syrian society.

It was announced that of the 70 appointees, 23 are prominent figures from civil society and 47 are experts from academic and professional backgrounds. Among the appointed members are 15 women, raising the total number of female members in the People’s Council to 22. The appointments also aim to strengthen representation for Kurdish, Alawite and Druze communities.

According to the constitutional declaration, the term of office of the People’s Council is set at 30 months. The High Election Committee announced that the council’s first session will be held on 6 July 2026. During this inaugural meeting, members will take their oaths, the Council Presidium will be elected, and a commission will be established to draft the internal regulations.

The new People’s Council is expected not only to carry out legislative activities during the transition period but also to prepare a new electoral law and establish the legal framework for future general elections.

The commencement of operations by the first People’s Council established after the end of the Assad regime is regarded as a significant milestone in the institutionalization of Syria’s political transition. With the council now operational, the transitional administration has completed its legislative branch, aiming to conduct reforms related to the country’s new political structure through a parliamentary process.