Syria is holding parliamentary elections for the first time since the ousting of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad — a milestone in the country’s fragile political transition after nearly 14 years of conflict.
On Sunday, members of Syria’s electoral colleges cast their votes to select new lawmakers for the revamped 210-seat People’s Assembly. However, the process has drawn sharp criticism from observers, who argue it lacks democratic legitimacy. A third of the seats are appointed directly by interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the remaining members are chosen indirectly by electoral colleges rather than through a popular vote.
Critics say the system entrenches the power of Syria’s new leadership instead of opening the door to real democratic reform. In a joint statement last month, over a dozen non-governmental organisations warned that al-Sharaa “can effectively shape a parliamentary majority composed of individuals he selected or ensured loyalty from,” thereby “undermining the principle of pluralism essential to any genuine democratic process.”
“You can call the process what you like, but not elections,” said Bassam Alahmad, executive director of France-based Syrians for Truth and Justice, one of the signatories of the statement, in remarks to AFP.
Meanwhile, voting has been indefinitely suspended in the restive Druze-majority province of Suwayda and in Kurdish-controlled areas of the northeast, due to ongoing tensions between local authorities and the central government in Damascus.
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Sat...
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would...
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to project stability and renewed dialogue during a closely watched summit in Beijing...
Ahead of next week’s World Urban Forum (WUF13), Baku State University and Azerbaijan’s State Committee fo...
French authorities have opened a new judicial inquiry into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, bringing renewed legal attention to a c...
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday (16 May), triggering a fire that quickly spread through the vehicle.
Baku will host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) from 17 to 22 May, bringing together around 25,000 participants from 176 countries to address the global housing crisis and sustainable urban development.
Ahead of next week’s World Urban Forum (WUF13), Baku State University and Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture have organised an international conference on sustainable cities and human capital in urban development.
French authorities have opened a new judicial inquiry into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, bringing renewed legal attention to a case that continues to draw international focus nearly eight years after his killing.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would face growing economic costs from the conflict. The remarks came as Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli forces despite an extended Lebanon ceasefire.
The second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place tonight in a rain-soaked Vienna, with the final 10 places in Saturday’s grand final still up for grabs.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as well as the bodies of fallen soldiers, on Friday (15 May). The swap came as Ukranian officials said Moscow had carried out its largest aerial attack over 48 hours since the conflict started.
A high-powered lawyer representing Elon Musk attacked the personal and professional credibility of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Thursday, as a landmark federal trial in California nears its conclusion.
Uzbekistan has launched a nationwide environmental initiative titled ‘Day Without Cars’, which will take place twice a month as part of efforts to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum will open in Baku on Sunday, bringing together government representatives, city leaders, urban planners, international organisations, businesses and civil society to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.
Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, has travelled to Baku to attend the 13th World Urban Forum, where climate change and safer cities will be discussed.
Children laughed, applauded and watched wide-eyed as animated characters lit up the screen at the opening of the ninth Animafilm International Animation Festival in Baku, where filmmakers and audiences from around the world gathered to celebrate the growing influence of animated cinema.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza on Friday (15 May), including a child, as Israel said it had launched an operation targeting Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment