A recent survey by the magazine Syria in Transition reveals that a significant majority of Syrians lack confidence in the newly established People’s Assembly. Conducted in mid-June 2026 with 900 participants from Damascus, Damascus Countryside, and Homs, only 14% of respondents believed the assembly would accurately represent the populace, while merely 10% thought it could influence government decisions. This assembly, composed of 210 members appointed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, operates under a limited presidential ruling system following his rise to power in 2024. Despite efforts to include women and representatives from various sects, lawmakers for the Druze-majority province of Sweida were not selected, with Sharaa citing unsuitable conditions for such a choice. Additionally, the survey indicated that 68% of respondents support teaching democratic values in schools, while 67% preferred a negotiated resolution to ongoing sectarian violence in Sweida.
Why It Matters
The low confidence in the People’s Assembly reflects ongoing struggles in Syria’s political landscape, particularly in the wake of its civil conflict and the recent consolidation of power by President al-Sharaa. Historical data shows that public trust in political institutions in Syria has been eroded due to years of authoritarian rule and conflict, which has led to widespread disillusionment. Moreover, the assembly’s limited authority and lack of representation may hinder progress toward genuine democratic governance. The desire for democratic values among a majority of Syrians further underscores the gap between public sentiment and the current political framework, highlighting the potential for future demands for reform.
Want More Context? 🔎
