Syria’s transitional parliament held its first session on Sunday, beginning work on preparing a new constitution and laying the foundation for a future democratic system after decades of authoritarian rule, AFP reports.

The country’s new leadership dissolved the previous parliament after the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024 and introduced a temporary constitutional declaration designed for a five-year transitional period.

The new legislative body includes 206 deputies out of 210. Representatives from the southern province of Suwayda, home mainly to the Druze population, have not yet been appointed following last year’s intercommunal clashes. One more deputy has died.

The parliament was formed without direct elections. Two-thirds of its members were selected by special local committees appointed by the electoral commission, which had previously been established by transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa. The remaining third — 70 deputies — was appointed directly by the head of state.

Speaking at the opening of the session, al-Sharaa called on lawmakers to become “an example of responsibility and competence” and to promote a culture of dialogue, the rule of law, and respect for state institutions. According to him, Syria is opening “a new page in its history.”

The parliament will serve under a renewable 30-month mandate. Its main tasks include creating a commission to draft a new constitution, approving the budget, and drafting and amending laws.

At the same time, the process of forming the new parliament has already drawn criticism. Opponents of the authorities point to the absence of direct elections, insufficient representation of women, and weak participation by various ethnic and religious groups.

Human rights organizations have also expressed concern about the concentration of a significant share of executive power in the hands of the president and the lack of a full separation of powers.