The Syrian regime, led by Bashar al-Assad, has taken steps to reproduce the Constitutional Committee through the People’s Assembly, despite international objections. The recent People’s Assembly elections, which were boycotted by opposition groups, aimed to consolidate the regime’s power and undermine the UN-led political process.
The elections resulted in the “Baath” Party winning 178 seats out of 250, solidifying its control over the country. This move is seen as a bid to establish a fait accompli and exploit it politically, according to researcher Ayman Al-Desouki.
The UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, has emphasized that such elections do not constitute a comprehensive political process leading to a new Syrian constitution, as called for in Resolution 2254. Germany has also expressed opposition to holding elections in Syria that do not serve the internationally agreed-upon political solution.
The regime’s actions have stalled the Constitutional Committee’s work, and the elections may be used as a pretext to restructure the committee and strengthen the regime’s advantage. This move would allow the regime to produce a new constitution that extends Assad’s term and grants him external legitimacy.
The international community remains committed to a Syrian-led political process, drafting a new constitution, and creating conditions for credible elections. However, the regime’s actions may further complicate the peace process and perpetuate the status quo of conflict and division.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
