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Syria is organizing its debut assembly votes after the removal of its longtime ruler, marking a cautious step towards electoral democracy which have been questioned for perceived bias in favor of the nation's interim leadership.

Transitional Parliament Selection

While the conflict-ravaged country advances in its governmental shift following the former regime, area delegates are starting the notable phase of electing an interim assembly.

One-third of assembly seats will be directly appointed by the interim leader in a move interpreted as strengthening his influence. The rest of the seats will be chosen through province-based electoral colleges, with positions assigned depending on resident counts.

Election Mechanism Facts

Direct popular voting was not implemented since transitional leaders explained the massive displacement of residents and paper disappearance during wartime years would render this action impractical presently.

"There are multiple awaiting bills that must be passed to move forward with reconstruction and prosperity efforts. Reconstructing the nation constitutes a collective mission, and all Syrians must contribute toward this project."

The interim authorities dissolved Syria's previous approval-only assembly upon gaining control.

Parliament Makeup

The recently created 210-representative assembly, termed the Citizens' Parliament, will handle passing fresh voting laws and governing charter. Based on administrative groups, exceeding 1,500 aspirants – only 14% women – are competing for seats in the legislature, that will function having a renewable two-and-half-year mandate while arranging subsequent polls.

Applicant Conditions

Under established regulations, would-be legislators should not back the previous government and must avoid promoting breakup or fragmentation.

Within the contestant pool is Syrian-American the aspirant Henry, the pioneering Jewish nominee since World War II era.

Area Voting Delays

Electoral activities were suspended indefinitely within Sweida's Druze-dominated area plus in zones administered by Kurdish-dominated groups because of persistent friction involving area administrations and national leadership.

Varied Responses

Skeptics maintain the delegate selection system might benefit well-connected individuals, providing the interim administration unfair edge while sidelining certain ethnic and spiritual communities. However, for other observers, the election represented a progressive step.

Individual Accounts

When approached by election officials to participate in the delegate body, Lina Daaboul, a Damascus-based doctor, said she first refused, worried about the obligation and negative perception of previous assemblies. Yet after discovering she would simply function within the electoral college, she agreed, labeling it "a patriotic responsibility".

On election day, Daaboul expressed: "This marks my debut electoral participation in my lifetime. I'm content, and I don't mind waiting in extended queues."

Official Lara, an electoral commission member from the capital, highlighted that the current legislature contains all religious sects and demographic sections and described it as "the historic first occasion in Syrian history that voting actually determines – absent fixed conclusions".

The ex-military Halabi, once employed under Assad's rule but defected following massive anti-government protests met with harsh crackdowns and sparked internal conflict in the 2011 period, commented: "This represents the first instance throughout our lifetime we've taken part in an open election mechanism without external pressure."