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Syria is organizing its inaugural assembly votes since the collapse of the previous regime, representing a tentative step towards electoral democracy that have faced criticism as potentially biased supporting the state's provisional government.

Legislative Body Election

As the war-torn nation progresses through its political transformation after Assad, local committee members are beginning the notable phase of selecting an interim assembly.

One-third of assembly seats will be directly appointed by the interim leader in a step seen as strengthening his influence. The other 67% will be chosen via regional electoral bodies, with positions assigned according to population.

Electoral Process Details

Nationwide balloting has been omitted as interim authorities stated the extensive movement of residents and documentation loss amid fighting eras would cause such measure impossible currently.

"There are various pending legislation needing ratification to enable progress with development and growth initiatives. Restoring the country represents a shared responsibility, and all Syrians should participate to this endeavor."

The transitional government dissolved Syria's previous ceremonial parliament upon gaining control.

New Assembly Composition

The freshly formed 210-seat body, termed the Citizens' Parliament, will handle enacting new electoral legislation and a constitution. Per coordinating bodies, exceeding 1,500 aspirants – only 14% women – are competing for seats in the assembly, that will function having a renewable 30-month duration while arranging subsequent polls.

Applicant Conditions

According to specified guidelines, aspiring representatives must not support the former regime and must avoid promoting breakup or fragmentation.

Included among candidates stands a dual-national Henry Hamra, the pioneering Jewish nominee since the 1940s.

Area Voting Delays

Electoral activities were indefinitely postponed within Sweida's Druze-dominated area and in territories controlled by Kurdish-commanded units resulting from continuing disputes involving area administrations and the central government.

Mixed Reactions

Detractors argue the delegate selection system might benefit well-connected individuals, offering the provisional leadership unequal advantage while sidelining certain ethnic and faith groups. But, for some analysts, the poll signaled a progressive step.

Individual Accounts

After being contacted by election officials to become part of the voting assembly, Dr. Daaboul, a medical practitioner from Damascus, stated she initially declined, concerned about the duty and negative perception of previous assemblies. However upon learning her role would only involve as part of the voting body, she consented, labeling it "a national obligation".

When polls opened, Daaboul expressed: "This marks my debut electoral participation in my existence. I'm content, and I don't mind standing in long lines."

Committee member Eezouki, an electoral commission member from the capital, noted that the current legislature contains all religious sects and demographic sections and called it "the historic first occasion in Syrian history when elections truly decide – without prearranged results".

Former soldier Halabi, once employed during the former regime but defected following massive anti-government protests encountered violent responses and initiated domestic fighting in the 2011 period, stated: "This represents the inaugural occasion during our existence we've participated in a free voting process without external pressure."