Story perspectives

Abdel Halim al-Awak Elected Speaker as Syria’s New Assembly Convenes

7/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Abdel Halim al-Awak was elected speaker of Syria’s new People’s Assembly with 99 votes.
The 210-member Assembly convened for the first time on July 12, 19 months after President al-Sharaa’s forces removed Bashar al-Assad from power.
Women hold only 10% of seats, with 21 female lawmakers, 15 of whom were appointed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Minority groups occupy ten seats and keep three Druze-reserved seats for Sweida vacant pending suitable conditions.

History

Historical Context

After Hafez al-Assad died in June 2000, the constitution was amended so Bashar al-Assad could assume the presidency, winning 97.29% in a single-candidate referendum and entrenching a sham-election system. The United Nations notes women held only 5% of seats (13 legislators) from 2000-2020; Abdel Halim al-Awak’s election as speaker of the 210-member Assembly lifts female seats to 10% (21), a modest gain in the same authoritarian system.

1 of 2

Story summary

Abdel Halim al-Awak was elected speaker of Syria’s new People’s Assembly with 99 votes.
The 210-member Assembly convened for the first time on July 12, 19 months after President al-Sharaa’s forces removed Bashar al-Assad from power.
Women hold only 10% of seats, with 21 female lawmakers, 15 of whom were appointed by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
Minority groups occupy ten seats and keep three Druze-reserved seats for Sweida vacant pending suitable conditions.

1 / 2