Syria: Elections Postponed in Three Provinces Due to Security Concerns

Parliamentary elections in Syria, the first since the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime, are scheduled for September 15-20. However, the Higher Electoral Commission announced that elections are postponed in three provinces due to security concerns.

Commission spokesman Hassan al-Dayem said elections would be postponed in the southern province of Suweida, as well as the provinces of Hassakeh and Raqqa in northeastern Syria. Suweida has experienced recent interfaith clashes, while Hassakeh and Raqqa provinces are under the control of the Syrian Democratic Forces.

Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sara, approved a decree to hold elections. The interim system stipulates that the president has the power to appoint one-third of the 210 members of parliament.

Ahmed al-Sara overthrew Bashar al-Assad in December, with the former president receiving asylum in Russia. In March, he approved an interim constitution establishing a five-year political transition period.