Story perspectives

Syrian Assembly Opens, Elects Abdelhalim al-Awak as Speaker

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Ahmed al-Sharaa opened People’s Assembly’s session in Damascus on July 12, 2026, with a Kurdish woman lawmaker in dress.
The 210-seat chamber, which includes 140 elected and 70 appointees, chose Abdelhalim al-Awak as speaker with 99 votes.
The assembly will serve a 30-month term, draft a constitution, approve the budget and propose laws.
A poll found 14 percent view the parliament as representative and 10 percent expect it to influence decisions.

History

Historical Context

On 15 October 2005 Iraq’s 55-member Sovereign Council oversaw a UN- and US-backed referendum that ratified the new constitution with about 78 % “yes” votes. The process sparked accusations of irregularities and highlighted the need for credible voting. Syria’s People’s Assembly, opened by President Ahmed al-Sharaa on 12 July 2026 and electing Abdelhalim al-Awak as speaker, now faces the same legitimacy test as it drafts a constitution.

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Story summary

President Ahmed al-Sharaa opened People’s Assembly’s session in Damascus on July 12, 2026, with a Kurdish woman lawmaker in dress.
The 210-seat chamber, which includes 140 elected and 70 appointees, chose Abdelhalim al-Awak as speaker with 99 votes.
The assembly will serve a 30-month term, draft a constitution, approve the budget and propose laws.
A poll found 14 percent view the parliament as representative and 10 percent expect it to influence decisions.

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