A Syria rights group has released a scathing report declaring the 2024 parliamentary elections in Syria as illegitimate and predetermined by the regime’s security apparatus. The report asserts that the elections violate international resolutions and human rights law and are nothing more than a charade to crush Syrians’ rights.
The Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) report highlights the lack of freedom and fairness in the electoral process, with the regime’s security apparatus imposing its will on the outcome. The elections were held in only two-thirds of Syrian territory, amidst a devastating economic crisis and with over half the population displaced.
The report identifies six main reasons for the elections’ illegitimacy, including defiance of international resolutions, a corrupt environment, lack of judicial safeguards, regime tampering with voter numbers, disparity in seat distribution, and the Baath Party’s dominance.
The SNHR calls on the UN and international community to reject the elections and declare them illegitimate. The report also urges the UN Security Council to implement Resolution 2254, which calls for a transitional governing body and free elections.
Key Findings:
- The elections were held in defiance of international resolutions and human rights law.
- The electoral process was predetermined by the regime’s security apparatus. The Baath Party won 185 seats, or 74% of the People’s Assembly.
- Independents won only 65 seats.
- The elections were held amidst a devastating economic crisis and with over half the population displaced.
Recommendations:
SNHR has come up with the following recommendation:
- Reject the elections and declare them illegitimate.
- Implement UN Security Council Resolution 2254.
- Place members of the Syrian People’s Assembly on international sanction lists.
- Raise awareness of human rights violations in the elections.
The rights group found that the Syrian Regime’s 2024 parliamentary elections are a sham, devoid of legitimacy and freedom. The Syrian Network for Human Rights’ report exposes the regime’s blatant disregard for international resolutions and human rights law, and its manipulation of the electoral process to maintain its grip on power. With the Baath Party’s overwhelming dominance and the regime’s continued suppression of Syrians’ rights, it is imperative that the international community rejects these elections and demands genuine political reform. The UN Security Council must take concrete steps to implement Resolution 2254, paving the way for a transitional governing body and free elections that truly represent the will of the Syrian people. Only through collective action can we hope to bring an end to the regime’s tyranny and foster a more just and democratic future for Syria.
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.
