Type: Policy Brief

Date: October 29, 2025

Summary

The policy brief proposes using a functional representation model for the one-third of Syria’s parliament appointed by the President, following the election of the other two-thirds. This model advocates for appointing individuals who are already elected within their respective professional syndicates, chambers of commerce, and civil society organisations.

This approach is argued to:

• Enhance Legitimacy: By providing clear, objective selection criteria and utilizing members who already hold electoral mandates within their sectors.

• Improve Efficiency: By integrating sectoral expertise from vital fields like the economy, health, and education, linking the Assembly's work to reconstruction and development.

• Foster Political Harmony and establish a stronger institutional practice, similar to second chambers (e.g., Senates) in other systems. 

By implementing a functional representation model, the appointed third of the Assembly can transform from a point of criticism into a strong driver of legitimacy and efficiency. This will foster political stability and establish a more robust institutional model for Syria's future parliament.