DAMASCUS—Syria prepares for its first parliamentary elections since the collapse of the Assad regime, with a new 210-seat legislature scheduled for September. While this marks a significant step toward political reconstruction, the process faces substantial hurdles—particularly regarding the fair representation and security of minority communities amid ongoing sectarian tensions.
The New Political Landscape and Its Risks.
Under the leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa, the government
emphasizes reconstruction and economic revival as its primary priorities. This
focus has already resulted in notable diplomatic negotiations, including the
lifting of US sanctions and the removal of al-Sharaa’s group, Hayat Tahrir
al-Sham, from the US list of foreign terrorist organizations. Significant
investments from Gulf nations—such as Saudi Arabia’s pledged $6.4 billion for
real estate and infrastructure and a $14 billion deal with Qatar and the UAE—are
pouring into the country to bolster these efforts.
However, many analysts caution that economic aid alone isn’t enough to bridge Syria’s long-standing divisions. The country’s scars run deep, and sustainable peace will require addressing political and societal fractures alongside economic recovery.
The Electoral Process and Its Implications
The upcoming parliamentary election has a unique format that
is likely to deepen scepticism. Out of the 210 seats,140 will be
allocated by local electoral committees, while the remaining 70 will be
appointed directly by the President— There will be no seats filled by popular
vote.
This controlled approach raises concerns about the legitimacy of the process and the potential marginalization of ordinary Syrians. Critics argue that such a system primarily serves the regime’s interests, ensuring predetermined results that lack genuine popular input.
Impact on Minority Communities
The Assad regime spent decades instilling fear into
Christian and other minority communities in Syria, warning them that the
regime’s fall would inevitably lead to a doomsday scenario filled with battling
Muslim extremist groups, even touting the U.S.-led “war on terror” as an excuse
for domestic oppression and the killing and forced disappearance of hundreds of
thousands of Syrian civilians. That cynical strategy served to create division
and barriers of fear between communities, reinforcing sentiments that come to
the fore with any incident.
The limited electoral participation and the non-transparent
selection process are likely to heighten fears among Syria’s diverse minority
groups. Communities such as Alawites, Druze, Christians, and Kurds worry that
the system favours the Sunni majority at their expense. While the government
has attempted to include minority representatives in its official discourse,
many see such efforts as largely symbolic—token gestures that do little to
influence actual power-sharing.
Recent violence has exposed the fragile state of sectarian
relations. In early August, clashes erupted between Kurdish-led Syrian
Democratic Forces (SDF) and government troops in the northeast. Meanwhile, in
Suwayda—a region home to Druze—the aftermath of intense fighting has left over
1,400 dead and displaced nearly 175,000 people. Coastal areas of Latakia and
Tartus have also seen violence, with reports indicating that between 1,400 and
1,700 deaths and thousands more displaced.
The ongoing bloodshed underlines the persistent wounds and unresolved grievances among minority communities. Alawites fleeing their coastal homes amid revenge attacks, and massacres targeting Druze populations, highlight the deep scars of conflict that remain unhealed since the regime’s fall.
The Road to Reconciliation
The true challenge for al-Sharaa’s government—and Syria as a
whole—is fostering genuine trust and initiating a nationwide reconciliation
process. Without bridging divides and addressing past grievances transparently,
the elections risk exacerbating sectarian tensions and violence.
A potential approach to foster national healing could
involve establishing a truth and reconciliation process like our South African
model. Instead of focusing solely on retribution, such a mechanism would aim to
unearth the full truth behind the country’s past atrocities—mass killings,
torture, corruption, and other crimes.
By prioritizing transparency and understanding, this process
could help Syria transition from a justice system centered on punishment to one
rooted in reconciliation. It would be a vital step toward rebuilding public
trust and creating a new social pact based on shared aspirations.
Syria’s path forward has always been fraught with difficulty. At present, the country faces a dire risk: economic recovery, coupled with ethnic and sectarian tensions and a politicized, militarized landscape, could push Syria toward state failure. Without genuine reconciliation and inclusive governance, the risk of deepening fragmentation remains a constant threat.
The Church as a Testament to Syria’s Rich Christian Heritage
Syria’s Christian community is among the oldest in the world, with roots that date back to the very dawn of Christianity. Historically, it is in Syria that the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians”—a recognition that underscores the nation’s pivotal role in early Christian history. The Christian church in Damascus, for instance, was established within just two years of Christ’s ascension. It was a city that even Saul of Tarsus—later known as Paul—visited to persecute its followers, illustrating the deep historical ties between Syria and the Christian faith.
A Decade of Suffering and Exodus
Since the outbreak of civil war in 2011, Syria’s Christian
population has experienced a dramatic decline—from approximately 1.8 million to
around 579,000 today—losing nearly two-thirds of its members. Factors behind
this exodus include the surge of extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Nusra,
persistent persecution, economic collapse, and conscription pressures that
forced many young men to flee.
The people of Syria are asking questions not about the very
existence of God, but they are wondering why God is silent, not moving or
performing miracles to save people.
Church leaders have worked tirelessly under these
circumstances, often becoming the last source of hope and support for their
communities. With most Syrians living below the poverty line—an estimated
90%—churches have extended aid through food, shelter, medical care, and
spiritual encouragement. Despite these efforts, the community remains under
immense strain, facing ongoing hardship and so Syria’s ancient Christian
heritage continues to stand as a testament to faith and resilience amidst
turbulent times.