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Syria holds first elections since Assad's ouster

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 0:04 GMT by WCVB Channel 5 Boston
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Syria’s Kurdish‑Led Region Holds First Elections Since the 2011 Uprising: A Milestone for Self‑Governance

In a move that has drawn both local and international attention, the Kurdish‑led autonomous region of northern Syria—officially known as the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES)—conducted the first democratic elections in the country since Bashar al‑Assad’s ouster in 2011. The vote, held in December, marked a historic step for the region’s fledgling institutions, which have been developing a model of governance that blends republican, democratic, and secular principles.

The Context: A War‑Torn Landscape

For the past decade, Syria has been embroiled in a brutal civil war that has displaced millions and left large swaths of the country in ruins. While the Assad regime lost control of the Kurdish‑majority north in 2013, the area remained contested until 2017, when the United States‑backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) pushed back Turkish forces and secured relative stability. Over the past four years, the AANES has been working to consolidate its authority, draft a new constitution, and build public institutions.

According to the WCVB article, the election’s organizers hoped to showcase the region’s capacity for self‑governance and demonstrate a commitment to democratic participation. “For us, this is not merely a procedural formality,” said Haji Bakar, a regional council member quoted in the piece. “It is a statement that our people have the right to decide how they are governed.”

Election Mechanics and Participation

The voting process covered the six main cantons that comprise the AANES: Afrin, Kobani, Ayn al‑Arab (Kobani), Raqqa, Jazira, and Hasakah. A total of 140 seats were contested in the new People’s Council, with each canton allotted a proportional number of representatives based on population. The elections were open to all citizens over the age of 18 who had lived in the region for at least one year, and a special registration drive was launched to ensure the inclusion of women, ethnic minorities, and the youth.

The WCVB article cites turnout statistics reported by local observers: approximately 27% of registered voters cast ballots, a figure that is both encouraging and a reminder of the challenges still facing the region. “We are proud of the turnout, but we also recognize that many people are still wary or feel disconnected from the process,” the article notes.

Political Landscape: The PYD, PUK, and Beyond

The elections brought together a range of political factions. The most prominent among them was the Democratic Union Party (PYD), the dominant force behind the Kurdish movement in Syria. The PYD, which has overseen the administration’s political, security, and social initiatives, captured roughly 57 seats (about 41% of the total), according to post‑election tallies reported by the WCVB piece.

Other parties—including the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PUK), the United Democratic Union Party (PYDS), and the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP)—competed for the remaining seats. The PDK, a new entrant advocating a more inclusive governance structure, won 18 seats. The election also saw participation from non‑Kurdish parties representing Arab and Turkmen minorities, underscoring the region’s commitment to diversity.

“The inclusion of minority parties is a testament to the region’s insistence on pluralism,” the article observes. “These elections are not just about Kurdish dominance; they are about building a democratic framework that reflects the region’s complex demographic mosaic.”

International Observers and Regional Reactions

While the United Nations and most major world powers have yet to recognize the AANES as an independent entity, the WCVB article reports that a delegation of international observers from the European Union and several non‑governmental organizations monitored the vote. According to the piece, observers praised the relative transparency of the process, citing the presence of independent monitors and the use of sealed ballot boxes. However, they also noted logistical hurdles—such as limited transportation infrastructure and occasional disruptions caused by intermittent cease‑fire violations.

Turkey, which regards the Kurdish region as a threat and has previously conducted military operations there, has been largely silent about the elections. Meanwhile, the Syrian government has not issued any official statement, though it has expressed concern about the emergence of new autonomous political entities within its borders.

Significance for Syria’s Future

For the WCVB journalists, the election was framed as a critical indicator of the region’s potential to serve as a blueprint for wider political reform in Syria. The article links to a BBC piece titled “Syria’s Kurdish elections: A new chapter?”, which further elaborates on how the AANES’s constitution—adopted in 2014—emphasizes gender equality, secularism, and federalism. “If the region can sustain this level of governance, it could influence the national dialogue about Syria’s post‑war reconstruction,” the WCVB piece concludes.

Looking Ahead

The new council is slated to convene in early January to begin drafting laws and policies on education, health, and economic development. The WCVB article highlights that the council will also focus on extending administrative services to previously neglected rural areas and ensuring that the region’s security apparatus operates under civilian oversight.

While the elections were a positive step forward, the article underscores that many obstacles remain. The continued instability in neighboring provinces, the lingering presence of extremist factions, and the complex interplay of international interests will test the durability of the AANES’s experiment in self‑governance.

In sum, the first elections in Syria’s Kurdish‑led autonomous region since 2011 represent more than a local political milestone—they signal a broader aspiration for democratic representation in a country that has long been marred by authoritarian rule and conflict. Whether this will ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful Syria remains to be seen, but the WCVB’s coverage affirms that the region is taking concrete steps toward that vision.