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The Shura Council participated in the 16th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) and its accompanying meetings, held in Manama, Bahrain, over four days.This participation aimed to strengthen Asian parliamentary co-operation and to co-ordinate common positions on issues of concern to the continent’s nations. The Council was represented at the Assembly by Engineer Ahmed bin Hitmi al-Hitmi, Member of the Shura Council and vice-president of the APA; along with the following members, Saud bin Jassim al-Buainain; Yousef bin Ahmed al-Sada; and Nasser bin Metrif al-Hemeidi. The plenary session discussed items on the agenda, and reviewed the secretary-general’s report on the activities of the APA for 2025 and appointed the APA’s vice-presidents for 2026.In this context, the APA elected Engineer Ahmed bin Hitmi al-Hitmi as vice-president of the APA and chairman of the standing committee on budget and planning for 2026. The attendees also considered the final reports of the standing committees on economic affairs, social and cultural affairs, political affairs, and budget and planning, in addition to the report of the Assembly bureau meetings and the draft agenda for the 17th APA Plenary Session. Ahmed bin Hitmi al-Hitmi had participated in the APA bureau meeting, which was dedicated to reviewing the draft agenda, organisational reports, and several procedural matters related to the Assembly’s work. He also participated in the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) co-ordination meeting held prior to the General Assembly. 

Benin voted Sunday in parliamentary and local elections, just one month after a failed coup plot shook the west African country and three months ahead of presidential polls.President Patrice Talon's ruling coalition is expected to strengthen its already powerful hand in the elections, with the main opposition Democrats party barred from the local polls.The elections come at a fraught moment for Benin, still reeling from a deadly coup attempt by army mutineers on December 7, which was put down by the military, with support from Nigeria and France.Talon, 67, who is nearing the end of his second five-year term, called on all voters to "do their duty" as he cast his ballot."Today is the beginning of a better life," he said.**media[403322]**The legislative elections will define the political landscape ahead of April's presidential polls, from which the opposition has also been struck from the ballot for failing to obtain the required number of signatures.Talon, who has served the constitutional two-term limit, is barred from running in April's elections.His hand-picked successor, Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, is a strong favourite to win.Talon has presided over strong economic development across his nearly one decade in power, but critics accuse him of restricting political opposition and basic rights.**media[403323]**The single-round legislative polls will elect the 109 seats in the National Assembly, where Talon's three-party bloc hopes to strengthen its majority.The Democrats, only running in the parliamentary races, risk ceding ground to the ruling coalition, which currently holds 81 seats.Some observers say the opposition may lose all its 28 seats, given the current electoral law's tough requirement for parties to gather signatures from 20 percent of registered voters in each of the country's 24 voting districts to stand for parliament.The streets of economic capital Cotonou were calm as polling stations opened, AFP reporters said."I'm proud of the process and the organisation, and I hope everything goes well until the end," said craftsman Claude Somakpo.The campaign unfolded without large rallies, with most parties opting for grassroots strategies like door-to-door canvassing."All measures have been taken to guarantee a free, transparent and secure vote. No political ambition can justify violence or endanger national unity," the head of the electoral commission (CENA), Sacca Lafia, said Saturday. 

Protesting students in Serbia swapped massive street demonstrations Sunday for a push to collect citizens' signatures, to gauge whether they had support to demand snap parliamentary elections.A wave of large-scale student-led protests has gripped Serbia since November 2024, after the collapse of a railway station roof killed 16 people in Novi Sad, the country's second-largest city.The tragedy at the newly renovated station became a symbol of entrenched corruption, with demands for a transparent investigation escalating into calls for early elections – which have so far been rejected by authorities."We are counting to get a rough idea of how many people support us," Jana, a first-year philosophy student, told AFP in Belgrade, while staffing one of nearly 500 stands nationwide.She declined to give her last name.After a more than a year of faculty blockades, protests drawing hundreds of thousands of people, and awareness-raising marches across the country, students were now engaging passers-by at the stands, collecting their signatures and contact details.For Branimir Jovancevic, 63, the new approach was more effective than organising a large rally."It is meant to show how many citizens in Serbia support calling elections," he said after giving his contact details to students in central Belgrade."Too much time has passed, and no one has been held accountable," said Eva Manojevic, 24.So far, three investigations have been launched into the fatal canopy collapse, but only one has resulted in an indictment confirmed by a court.However, the court ruled on Wednesday that there were no grounds to further prosecute the former construction minister who was suspected of a "serious crime against public safety".Nebojsa Vladisavljevic, a political science professor, saw the students entering "a new phase of mobilisation"."The goal is to turn the support gained through protests into votes and an electoral victory," he said.Vladisavljevic expected a new organisation to arise that would be able "to carry an election campaign" and eventually "take part in governing after the elections".The students said they would announce the survey results in the coming days.So far, the only indicator of the strength of the student movement has been the number of people attending protests and a handful of opinion polls.A September survey by independent election watchdog CRTA suggested that candidates backed by the student movement could secure 44% of the vote.The survey also found that nearly two-thirds of citizens, regardless of political affiliation, see snap elections as a way out of the crisis.However, a separate poll conducted the same month by Ipsos, which did not include a potential student-backed list, found that the ruling party would win 48% of the vote, virtually unchanged from its 2023 result.Public uproar over the Novi Sad disaster triggered the resignation of the prime minister and the collapse of the government earlier this year.However, a new cabinet was formed through a reshuffle, and President Aleksandar Vucic said elections would not be held before late 2026, accusing them of attempting to overthrow the government. 

His Excellency the Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem affirmed Qatar’s strong commitment to supporting parliamentary work at both the regional and international levels, and its continued keenness to provide effective platforms for dialogue, consultation, and the exchange of expertise among Asian parliaments. In a speech delivered at the opening of the meeting of the Standing Committee on Budget and Planning of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, hosted in Doha yesterday, he noted the wide participation of member states in the committee’s work. He emphasised that this supports the progress of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, which serves as a unifying framework for enhancing parliamentary cooperation in Asia. The Speaker pointed out that the meeting is being held amid rapidly evolving regional and international challenges, which necessitate strengthening financial planning efficiency, consolidating the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance, and ensuring sound resource management. These measures, he said, are essential to guaranteeing the sustainability of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly’s work and enabling it to fulfil its active parliamentary role in promoting Asian co-operation. He praised the efforts of the members of the Budget and Planning Committee and the effectiveness of its previous meetings, during which important decisions were adopted. These included the Doha meeting held in November last year, where participants approved the adoption of a unified and equal membership fee for all member states. The committee also adopted a proposal to amend certain provisions of the Assembly’s statute, including the voting mechanism, granting each member state one vote only on draft resolutions and approving decisions by majority rather than consensus. He described this as an important step toward enhancing fairness, ensuring balanced participation in decision-making, and contributing to the development and activation of parliamentary work within the Assembly. The Speaker stressed the importance of this parliamentary bloc as an effective framework for unifying visions and coordinating positions among Asian parliaments in various regional and international parliamentary forums. At the outset of his speech, he welcomed the participants and expressed his wishes for the success of the meeting, once again hosted by Doha, in achieving its intended objectives and issuing recommendations and decisions that strengthen Asian parliamentary action, particularly in the field of budget and planning. The Secretary-General of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly Mohammad Reza Majidi, Representative of the Assembly’s President Dr. Rizvan Oglu Nabiyev, and Vice President of the Assembly Boris Chernyshov praised in their remarks during the opening session on Qatar’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts and its role at both the regional and international levels. In this context, they commended the support and co-operation of the Shura Council with various parliamentary organisations and legislative councils, which contribute to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy in Asia. They also called for enhanced co-operation and joint parliamentary action among the parliaments of the assembly’s member states, and for leveraging Asia’s exceptional global standing given its geopolitical weight and significant economic and human potential. Prior to the start of the meeting’s proceedings, the Speaker met with the heads of the participating parliamentary delegations, welcomed them, and expressed the hope that their meeting would contribute to supporting joint parliamentary work and strengthening the role of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly in advancing sustainable development efforts across the Asian continent. 

His Excellency the Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem met separately Tuesday with ambassador of Iraq Mohammed Jaafar al-Sadr, ambassador of Indonesia Ridwan Hassan, and ambassador of Kazakhstan Arman Issagaliyev.**media[394489]**The meetings discussed bilateral relations between Qatar and each of Iraq, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan, and explored ways to enhance them, particularly in areas related to parliamentary co-operation.  

The Shura Council held an official round of discussions Tuesday with the Shura Council in Saudi Arabia, which addressed the path of parliamentary relations between the two sides and ways to enhance them, and the development of joint action mechanisms in various regional and global forums.The Qatari side was chaired by His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, while the Saudi side was chaired by HE Speaker of the Shura Council Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim al-Sheikh, who is visiting Doha as part of boosting co-operation between the two councils.At the beginning of the session, HE al-Ghanim welcomed his Saudi counterpart, emphasising that the enduring ties and clear-eyed directives from both leaderships constitute a solid foundation to support the joint parliamentary action.Sheikh Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim al-Sheikh expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome, hailing the growing relationship and co-ordination between the Qatar and Saudi Arabia, stemming from the commitment of the leaderships of the two sisterly nations to deepening the collaborative and integrated approach.He stressed that these bonds are rooted in historic ties between the people, founded on shared values, mutual trust, and enduring friendship, emphasising that the relationship is accompanied by a continued commitment to deepen co-operation across a broad spectrum of sectors, reflecting the breadth and depth of the bilateral relationship and paving the way for expanded institutional collaboration, particularly in parliamentary and developmental arenas.Both sides addressed the persistent thriving ties between the nations, especially in light of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's official visit to Riyadh on Monday, and his meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, which culminated in signing a deal on the high-speed electric rail link, alongside an array of memoranda of understanding in the areas of transportation, investment, food security and media.The two Speakers emphasised that these outcomes manifest the strength of the bilateral relationship and support the pathways towards economic integration, in addition to expediting the commercial traffic and connection between the brotherly peoples.Meanwhile, both sides explored a range of topics pertaining to advancing parliamentary co-operation, stressing the importance of co-ordinating positions in the parliamentary, Gulf, Arab, and international fora, thereby enhancing joint action and contributing to achieving the utmost interests of the GCC states, as well as Arab and Islamic nations.They likewise stressed the importance of broadening the programmes of sharing expertise and stepping up reciprocal visits and events, in support of developing legislative and oversight action, as well as cementing parliamentary collaboration tools between the two sides.Thereafter, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to beef up institutional co-operation between the two councils and advance paths of parliamentary co-ordination, in addition to sharing expertise and intensifying parliamentary visits.  

The Shura Council will take part in the 19th periodic meeting of the leaders of Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, scheduled to be held today in Bahrain. **media[381069]** His Excellency Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, chairs the Qatari delegation to the meeting. The meeting will address a range of parliamentary issues of common interest, including ways to strengthen co-operation among GCC legislative bodies and between these councils and the European Parliament, as well as other parliaments worldwide.

The Security Council extended the United Nations Support Mission in Libya's mandate for one year until October 31, 2026. Since August, the mission has been developing a 12- to 18-month roadmap to organize presidential and parliamentary elections. However, it missed the first milestone, which was scheduled for completion in October.According to the roadmap, the initial two months were dedicated to restructuring the high national elections commission in Libya, securing agreement between the House of Representatives and the State Council on electoral laws, and initiating the formation of a unified government.

A new session in the Shura Council's historic journey begins tomorrow, Tuesday, marking another milestone in more than five decades of national parliamentary development. The Council has consistently enjoyed the support and guidance of the wise leadership, reflecting its vital legislative and oversight role and its close cooperation with the esteemed government in advancing Qatar's renaissance, sustainable development, and the aspirations of its citizens for a dignified and prosperous future.The next phase of the Shura Council's successful journey — which spans over half a century — begins with the first regular session of the second legislative term, corresponding to the 54th annual session. This new session will be held with a developmental vision and comprehensive institutional preparedness, in line with the Council's evolving role in national governance.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani issued Amiri Decision No. 42 of 2025 on October 9, appointing members of the Shura Council. The decision took effect from the date of issuance and was published in the Official Gazette.On the same day, His Highness the Amir received Their Excellencies the members of the Shura Council at the Amiri Diwan, where His Highness the Amir welcomed them and wished them success in performing their duties. HH the Amir emphasized the Council's role in supporting the State's efforts to achieve sustainable development and to further the comprehensive renaissance witnessed by Qatar across all fields.For their part, the members of the Shura Council expressed their sincere thanks and appreciation to HH the Amir for his continued trust and support. They affirmed their commitment to work with national responsibility and dedication to serve the homeland and citizens, in line with Qatar's vision and the aspirations of its people for continued progress and prosperity.The Shura Council, as formed under HH the Amir's decision, consists of 49 members. Article 77 of the country's Permanent Constitution was amended to state that: "The Shura Council shall consist of no fewer than forty-five members, and the appointment of members shall be issued by an Amiri Decision."The new session follows the constitutional amendments that were unanimously approved by the Council last November and subsequently endorsed through a popular referendum, which saw an approval rate of 90.6% of valid votes. This milestone represents a genuine embodiment of national unity, the strengthening of the social fabric, and the consolidation of the principles of Shura deeply rooted in Qatari society, paving the way for continued growth and achievement.The 2024 constitutional amendments stand among the most significant accomplishments of the previous legislative term. They included several amendments, additions, and deletions to the Constitution, all designed to serve the State's supreme interests and reinforce the values of justice, equality, and civic responsibility among all members of Qatari society.Among the major achievements of the Shura Council in its previous term was the approval of its internal regulations, which govern its operations, define procedures for sessions, decision-making, and committee work, and enhance the Council's overall efficiency.The new internal regulations, consisting of 244 articles divided into eight chapters, bolster the Council's legislative and oversight authority and define the mechanisms for exercising its powers in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws.The first legislative term (2021-2025) witnessed extensive parliamentary activity, including 138 regular sessions, two extraordinary sessions, 312 committee meetings, the discussion of 84 draft laws, 22 requests for discussion, 25 proposals, 21 hearings, and 185 internal and external parliamentary engagements, as well as 417 bilateral meetings.These figures reflect the substantial institutional efforts of the General Secretariat and the Council's expanding role in legislation, oversight, and parliamentary diplomacy.Meanwhile, the General Secretariat of the Shura Council has finalized all technical and organizational preparations for the launch of the first regular session of the second legislative term tomorrow. The preparations included equipping the main hall and meeting rooms with the latest technology, ensuring the aesthetic and functional readiness of the Council's facilities, and confirming full technical and logistical preparedness.In this regard, His Excellency Secretary-General of the Shura Council Nayef bin Mohammed Al Mahmoud stated in a meeting held on Sunday with representatives of the local media that the opening session of the new term will be followed by a procedural session, including the swearing-in and the reading of Amiri Decree No. 98 of 2025, inviting the Shura Council to convene its first regular session of the second legislative term, corresponding to the 54th annual session. The session will then proceed with the election of the Speaker and Vice-Speaker.He added that the General Secretariat has tested all technical and logistical systems, and that legal and technical teams are fully ready to ensure the smooth conduct of the session.His Excellency Al Mahmoud emphasized that, with more than fifty years of experience, the Council is fully prepared for this new phase and continues to operate with high professionalism and discipline to ensure a successful start befitting its prestigious stature and legislative and oversight responsibilities.Thanks to its active participation in various regional and international parliamentary forums, the Shura Council has attained a prominent position and enjoys wide respect and recognition. It currently holds several key positions, including membership in the Executive Committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) — the highest UN-affiliated parliamentary body — as well as membership in several of its standing committees.His Excellency Al Mahmoud highlighted that the General Secretariat plays a vital role in supporting Council members and enabling them to effectively perform their parliamentary and diplomatic duties. He underlined that external parliamentary work has evolved beyond symbolic participation to become a strategic activity aimed at achieving tangible outcomes that serve national interests and strengthen the Council's international partnerships.As a result of its active role in parliamentary diplomacy, the Shura Council has established distinguished relations with counterparts in other countries. These ties, reinforced through mutual visits between the general secretariats, enable the exchange of parliamentary experiences and expertise, including legal and technical knowledge.In this context, one of the most prominent upcoming parliamentary events to be hosted by the Council is the Parliamentary Forum, which will be held in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on the sidelines of the Second World Summit for Social Development in Doha this November, in cooperation with the United Nations. Additionally, the Council will host the meetings of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly in December and will also participate in the summit of heads of GCC parliaments, which will later be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain.Such relationships, mutual visits, and various parliamentary events reflect the growing international confidence in the Shura Council's experience, its leading institutional role, and its prominent presence at both the national and international levels, guided by the visions and messages contained in the speeches delivered by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the opening of the Council's sessions.As part of its continuous modernization and development efforts, the General Secretariat of the Shura Council has begun implementing a digital transformation initiative within its comprehensive institutional plan and its 2025-2030 strategy, which is set to launch at the end of this year.The General Secretariat has developed this strategy based on Qatar National Vision 2030 and the key messages from the speeches delivered by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the openings of the Shura Council's sessions. The aim is to enhance efficiency, digitize procedures, develop human capacities, and improve administrative and technical performance in line with the aspirations of the coming phase.The important and distinguished role-played and consistently upheld by the Council in promoting the image of the State of Qatar at regional and international forums is widely recognized. The Council also articulates the country's steadfast positions and defends issues of concern to the Arab and Islamic nations, foremost among them the Palestinian cause.Throughout its successive sessions, the Council has demonstrated its vital legislative role in serving the interests of the Qatari people and meeting their aspirations through the body of legislation and laws it discusses, approves, and amends within the framework of the rule of law and in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Permanent Constitution of the State of Qatar.Building on all these achievements, members will continue to carry out their duties in the new legislative session, keeping in mind the interests of citizens and the higher interests of the nation, under the wise leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.The history of the Shura Council dates back to 1972, when the amended Interim Basic Law was issued on April 19 of the same year to regulate the structures and institutions of the modern state, including the Shura Council, which initially had 20 members.

Qatar, under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, pursues a holistic approach to countering terrorism and violent extremism that is based on addressing the root causes of this phenomenon through development, justice, and respect for international law, HE the Shura Council Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim has affirmed.HE al-Ghanim highlighted that Qatar has made support for education, funding of development programmes, and provision of job opportunities for young people in crisis-battered zones a core priority in its efforts to counter extremist ideology.Hewas speaking at the opening session of the Global Parliamentary Conference on Counter-Terrorism, hosted in Istanbul, Turkiye, with the participation of a host of speakers of parliaments, legislative councils, as well as representatives of international organisations.The conference convenes at a critical time, as the need grows to unify efforts, strengthen international peace and security, and co-operate in confronting the scourge of terrorism that imperils societal stability and undermines development opportunities, he said.He noted that Qatar pursues a firmly rooted policy against terrorism and violent extremism, one that goes beyond mere security measures to address the economic, social, and political factors that lead to marginalisation and exclusion, the very environment in which extremist ideology takes root.Doha is preparing, as part of its efforts to support sustainable development and strengthen global parliamentary work, to host the second World Summit for Social Development in November. The summit will feature a parliamentary forum organised in partnership between the Shura Council and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on investing in people and institutions: the role of parliamentarians in social development, HE al-Ghanim noted.He further indicated that the forum will serve as a parliamentary platform to exchange experiences and best practices, and to discuss policies and legislation that bolster social development, thereby enhancing the role of parliaments in advancing communities and building human and institutional capacities.He averred that the ongoing practices of the Israeli occupation reflect yet another face of terrorism, noting that occupation forces have committed blood-soaked massacres in the Gaza Strip, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, in an egregious breach of international law and human values.The Israeli aggression has extended to target Qatar, which is mediating and spearheading international efforts to secure a ceasefire and alleviate the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip, he said, stressing that attacking the negotiating delegation at a civilian-safe location in Doha, which houses schools and embassies, constitutes state terror and a direct threat to civilian lives, in unconscionable violation of international law and diplomatic norms.HE al-Ghanim further added that silence in the face of such violations encourages impunity and undermines the international legal framework, noting that the arbitrary policies of the occupation not only threaten global peace and security but also help foster a fertile environment for the spread of violence and extremism, exacerbating instability across the region and the world.He called on the international community and all parliaments to assume their moral and legal responsibilities, condemn these crimes, hold Israel accountable, and work to suspend the Israeli Knesset’s membership in regional and international parliamentary organisations until it complies with international law and the principles of legitimacy, especially following remarks by the Speaker of the Knesset in which he described the aggression as a message to the Middle East, in presumptuous defiance of the international community and parliamentary values.Qatar has placed counter-terrorism at the forefront of its foreign policy priorities through its active engagement in international coalitions, contribution to shaping global strategies, and support for development programs that address the root causes of terrorism, HE al-Ghanim underlined, before noting that Doha hosts the Office of Parliamentary Participation in Preventing and Combating Terrorism, in partnership with the UN.This office serves as a comprehensive platform for parliaments from around the globe to co-ordinate international parliamentary efforts and organise conferences, seminars, and workshops that enhance legislative and oversight cooperation in this field, he outlined.He called on national parliaments, regional parliamentary associations, and the IPU to intensify efforts and co-ordinate closely with the aforementioned office in support of its programmes and objectives, and to activate its role in forging practical partnerships that contribute to achieving global peace and security, and in reinforcing the values of justice and respect for human rights.HE al-Ghanim hoped that the conference would yield effective outcomes in countering terrorism and violent extremism through concurrence on a comprehensive and precise international definition of terrorism, which draws a clear line between the legitimate struggle of peoples against occupation, as an inherent right, and the terrorist acts carried out by certain states and organisations.Parliamentary unity remains the most effective means to enhance international co-operation, achieve peace and security, and safeguard the future of coming generations, he stressed.For his part, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye, Numan Kurtulmus, underscored the depth of the brotherly relations and strategic co-operation between Qatar and Turkiye, lauding the Shura Council's role in combating terrorism and boosting international cooperation in this field.Kurtulmus called out the double standards of certain nations that claim to fight terrorism while supporting it through proxy wars. He pointed out that the most perilous form of terrorism is state terror perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people, amid the silence of the international community.The conference is organised in partnership between the Shura Council and the Doha-based UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) on Parliamentary Participation in Preventing and Combating Terrorism, in collaboration with the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye and the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT).It intends to bolster the role of parliaments in supporting legislative and oversight frameworks for combating terrorism and violent extremism, and in coordinating efforts between parliaments and relevant international organisations to formulate integrated policies grounded in respect for the rule of law and human rights.The agenda includes panel discussions addressing a wide range of issues, foremost among them the absence of a unified international definition of terrorism and its implications, the nexus between terrorism and organised crime, and the impact of occupation and armed conflicts in fueling extremism.Additional sessions will focus on parliamentary oversight in enhancing transparency, ensuring a balance between security and the protection of rights and public freedoms, culminating in the adoption of a final statement containing practical recommendations for the development of the next UN strategy for counter-terrorism.

Polling stations opened across most Syrian governorates on Sunday as voters cast their ballots in the country's first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of the former regime, marking a significant milestone in Syria's ongoing political transition. According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), members of accredited regional electoral bodies are voting to elect two-thirds of the 210-seat People's Assembly — equivalent to 140 members — through subcommittees and electoral colleges, while President Ahmad Al Sharaa will appoint the remaining third. Nominations for Assembly membership closed on September 28 across 50 electoral districts nationwide, with a total of 1,578 candidates, including approximately 14% women. The People's Assembly will serve a 30-month term, renewable within a four-year transitional period, with the possibility of a one-year extension if required to ensure the continuity of legislative work during this critical stage. Under the current framework, the Assembly is responsible for proposing, approving, and amending laws, ratifying international treaties, endorsing the state budget, and granting general amnesty when necessary. It will also play a foundational role in drafting a permanent constitution, to be submitted to a national referendum once adequate security and stability are achieved. Following its adoption, parliamentary, local, and presidential elections will be held under the new constitutional framework to establish permanent governance structures. These elections come three months after President Al Sharaa issued a decree establishing the Higher Committee for Parliamentary Elections, tasked with overseeing the process and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards. Sunday's vote is a key step toward rebuilding Syria's legislative institutions and laying the groundwork for long-term political stability following years of conflict.

Syria will hold on Sunday its first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of the former regime of ousted President Bashar Al Assad, in a historic milestone marking the country's transitional phase toward rebuilding its legislative institutions. Nawar Najmeh, spokesperson for the Higher Committee for Parliamentary Elections, said in remarks carried by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that voting will take place in designated electoral centers across most governorates. He noted that elections had been postponed in certain areas of Raqqa and Hasakah governorates, while some seats in As-Suwayda would remain vacant until conditions allow voting to be held safely. Najmeh explained that accredited members of the regional electoral bodies will cast their votes to elect two-thirds of the 210-seat People's Assembly — equivalent to 140 members — through subcommittees and electoral colleges, while the remaining one-third will be appointed by President Ahmad Al Sharaa. He added that nominations for membership in the Assembly closed on September 28 across 50 electoral districts nationwide, with a total of 1,578 candidates — approximately 14% of them women. Najmeh noted that qualified professionals with diverse specializations constitute around 70% of the candidates, while the remaining 30% represent community figures and dignitaries, reflecting efforts to achieve a balance between experience and social representation within the new legislative structure. According to the Higher Committee, the People's Assembly will serve a 30-month term, renewable within a four-year transitional period, with the possibility of a one-year extension if required to ensure continuity of legislative functions during this sensitive stage. The Assembly is tasked with proposing, approving, amending, or repealing laws; ratifying international treaties; approving the state's general budget; and granting general amnesty when necessary. It also plays a foundational role in drafting a permanent constitution, which will be put to a nationwide referendum once sufficient security and stability are achieved. Following its adoption, parliamentary, local, and presidential elections will be held under the new constitutional framework to restore permanent governance structures. The elections come three months after President Al Sharaa issued a decree establishing the Higher Committee for Parliamentary Elections to oversee the electoral process and ensure compliance with approved legal and regulatory standards. The vote is a crucial step toward reestablishing Syria's legislative institutions after years of conflict.