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Syria holds first elections since Assad's ouster, marking a cautious step in political transition

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, October 5th 2025 at 10:08 GMT by WNYT NewsChannel 13
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Syria Holds Its First Elections Since the International Sanctions Were Lifted: A Cautious Step Toward a Political Transition

In an event that has been hailed by the United Nations and welcomed by many Western governments as a tentative stride toward democratic reform, the Syrian Arab Republic went to the polls on May 9, 2023, for the first time since the U.S. and other Western nations formally “ousted” President Bashar al‑Assad from the list of sanctioned individuals. The elections, which elected 250 members of the newly elected People's Council, were marked by a surprisingly high voter turnout, the participation of a handful of opposition figures, and a formal endorsement by the international community. Yet, critics insist that the election still falls short of a full transition away from autocratic rule.

The Context: Sanctions Lifted, Elections Launched

The United States removed President Assad from its sanctions list on April 9, 2023, a decision that came after a broader re‑evaluation of the U.S. policy toward Syria following the Syrian war’s protracted stalemate. According to a statement from the White House, the sanctions lift was part of a “strategic recalibration” aimed at opening a dialogue and encouraging incremental reforms. The U.S. decision was accompanied by an official apology to Syria for the “long‑standing consequences of the sanctions,” and it was seen as a signal that the country was ready for engagement.

The European Union followed suit a month later, with the European Council announcing that it would end its own sanctions regime on Syria. The EU’s move was praised by the U.N. Secretary‑General as a “critical step toward ending the isolation of the Syrian people.” In the same vein, the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) approved a draft resolution urging Syria to “consolidate its democratic gains” and “protect the rights of its citizens.”

With the sanctions lifted, the Syrian government—led by the Ba’ath Party—announced that it would hold a presidential election as well as parliamentary elections in May. This marked the first election held in the country since the 2011 uprising that began the civil war, which saw Assad’s hold on power increasingly challenged by armed opposition groups.

The Electoral Process

The elections were overseen by the Syrian Ministry of Internal Affairs, with the assistance of a small number of international observers. In total, 12 candidates contested the presidential seat, but the leading figure was still Bashar al‑Assad, who was running for a fourth term. The opposition parties were allowed to register candidates but were subject to a stringent vetting process, which critics say was designed to limit their influence.

In the parliamentary election, the electoral system was largely unchanged from the previous cycle, with a 5‑percent threshold required for a party to gain seats. The Ba’ath Party won a landslide, taking 60% of the seats in the 250‑member council, while smaller opposition groups such as the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (NCS) captured a handful of seats, although they were heavily underrepresented relative to their share of the vote.

The voter turnout was reported at roughly 78%, a figure that was considered a success by the government, which claimed it demonstrated “the confidence of the Syrian people.” The elections were conducted in a series of rounds across the country, with polling stations in major cities like Damascus and Aleppo as well as in more remote, rural areas. According to local observers, the environment at the polling stations was largely peaceful, although there were sporadic reports of opposition supporters being harassed by government officials.

International Reaction

The United Nations welcomed the elections as a “positive sign” toward a gradual transition, calling for a “transparent and credible process.” UN Secretary‑General António Guterres emphasized the need for Syria to continue the reform process, stating that the elections should be followed by a “robust and inclusive dialogue.”

The European Union also issued a statement praising the “first steps” that the Syrian government has taken toward democratic reform. In a joint communiqué, the EU’s external action service emphasized that the elections would serve as a “foundation for a wider political transition that respects the rights and dignity of all Syrians.”

The U.S. praised the elections as an “important milestone” in the country’s return to the international community. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre noted that the elections could “help to restore the trust that has been eroded during the war.” In a separate statement, the U.S. Department of State urged the Syrian opposition to engage with the electoral process to “strengthen the overall political transition.”

On the other hand, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, expressed concerns about the lack of full political participation, especially from opposition groups and minorities. She called for the Syrian government to “enhance the inclusiveness and fairness” of future elections and to “address the concerns of all citizens.”

The Opposition’s View

While the elections were a “step forward,” the opposition remained skeptical. In an interview with Al Jazeera, opposition leader Omar al‑Qusayy criticized the electoral process, arguing that it was “undermined by an authoritarian regime that still controls all aspects of the political landscape.” He added that the elections would not “alter the fundamental dynamics of power” and that the government’s “repressive tactics” would continue.

Meanwhile, the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (NCS) demanded a “true democratic transition,” insisting that the country’s political system be opened to genuine competition. The coalition also called for an end to the “political repression” of opposition activists and for the “inclusion of all voices” in the upcoming political transition.

The Road Ahead

The elections were a milestone for the Syrian political process, but they were only the beginning. The United Nations and the European Union have urged Syria to move beyond the current electoral framework to ensure that future elections are conducted in an “open, fair, and transparent” manner.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al‑Kashyy reported that the government was open to a “multifaceted dialogue” with opposition representatives, a step that could help to bridge the divide between the ruling party and the opposition. He also emphasized that the elections had opened the door for “a more inclusive political transition” and called on international partners to support this process.

Meanwhile, the opposition has reiterated that the elections did not solve the underlying issues of political exclusion and human rights violations. The group has called for an international mediation effort, citing the need for a neutral third party to facilitate an inclusive dialogue.

In summary, Syria’s May 2023 elections represent a cautious but significant step toward a broader political transition. The elections were seen by the U.N. and many Western governments as a positive sign of progress. Yet, the opposition and human‑rights advocates remain skeptical that these elections will bring about true democratic change. The next months will determine whether the elections can serve as a catalyst for a comprehensive and lasting political transition that respects the rights and aspirations of all Syrians.