The pro-government Hashtag has learned that one of the candidates on the National Unity List in Deir-ez-Zor governorate holds a non-Syrian nationality. Additionally, two other candidates, one on the National Unity List for Damascus governorate and another an independent candidate from the city of Damascus, also hold second nationalities.
Article 152 of the Syrian Constitution, adopted in 2012, stipulates that “no one who holds another nationality, in addition to that of Syrian Arab Republic, may hold the positions of the President of the Republic, his deputy, the Prime Minister or his deputies, ministers, membership of the People’s Assembly, or membership of the Supreme Constitutional Court.” Despite this clear provision, there appear to be violations of this constitutional article.
When inquired by higher judicial authorities, they confirmed to Hashtag Syria that the constitution prohibits any Syrian with a second nationality from running for elections to the Syrian regime’s parliament. Any candidate who is proven to hold a second nationality forfeits the right to run or even forfeits their membership if it is discovered after their election success.
However, judicial sources indicate that it is difficult to prove a candidate has a second nationality. Accusations against candidates are often dismissed when those submitting objections or complaints fail to present evidence supporting their claims.
The sources add that the regime’s Ministry of Interior or Immigration will not be able to confirm that the accused person has a non-Syrian nationality unless the candidate uses the passport of the second nationality to obtain an exit or entry visa.
Baath Party increases control over parliament
The People’s Assembly in Syria consists of 250 members. The number of members from the Arab Socialist Baath Party ranges from 160 to 166, including its allies in the National Progressive Front. The Baath Party alone typically secures about 134 to 150 seats, with slight variations.
Notably, in the 2020 elections, the number of Baath Party members in the People’s Assembly reached 166, or 66.4 percent of the total. Additionally, 17 members from other National Progressive Front parties (excluding the Baath Party) were elected, representing 6.8 percent of the assembly. Independent members totaled 67, making up 26.8 percent of the assembly.
This year, the Arab Socialist Baath Party announced that it has 178 seats in the assembly, according to the final lists, with approximately 65 to 66 seats allocated to independents. This reflects increased Baath Party control in parliament.
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.
