The authorities explained this complex system by saying that the war had significantly distorted population data, making it impossible to hold regular elections. Many cities and districts, especially those currently controlled by military groups or Kurds, did not hold elections at all—this represents approximately a third of the country's territory. In those where voting took place, there was virtually no campaigning: no posters, no information about the candidates. Furthermore, supporters of the previous regime were not allowed to vote at all, according to Vedomosti.
The process was overseen by a special committee appointed by the president himself. The electors, in turn, were chosen without clear rules and likely cast their votes for those close to the current government. This seriously calls into question the integrity of the elections.
The new parliament itself will function for only 30 months, during which time it must adopt a new electoral law and revise the constitution. But for now, this is a largely symbolic move—Damascus is trying to show the world that the country has begun to recover and is returning to normal life.
Experts believe these elections are more likely to create a semblance of democracy than genuine political change. Many people, especially from different ethnic and religious groups, have been left out of the process. This could only exacerbate divisions and rifts within the country. Parliament will likely be completely under the president's control and will not be an independent body.
Ultimately, if the authorities fail to genuinely include all citizens in political life and develop genuine institutions of power, the entire structure could collapse at the first serious crisis—internal or external. For now, it appears that only a formal imitation of elections is taking place to strengthen the power of the new rulers, but without real support and trust from the people, says Nikolai Sukhov, senior researcher at the Center for Middle East Studies at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Earlier, Putin discussed the Gaza Strip, Iran, and Syria with the Israeli Prime Minister.