When Syrians celebrated the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in late 2024, they dreamed of freedom, justice and a democratic future. Instead, they now face a recycled form of tyranny, this time under the so-called “transitional government.”
Ahmad al-Sharaa (formerly Abu Mohammed al-Golani), once hailed by some as a revolutionary leader, is preparing for parliamentary elections in September 2025. But these elections are no more than political theater designed to cement his grip on power, under an “Interim Constitutional Declaration” that grants him unchecked authority.
How can free and fair elections be possible when massacres against Alawites continue unabated, with no accountability? Where the Druze in Jabal al-Druze endure brutal killings, siege and forced subjugation? Where the Kurds’ demands for decentralization have been flatly rejected, and the agreement to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces into the armed forces remains unfulfilled? Christians and other minorities live in constant fear of sectarian militias roaming unchecked.
Under these conditions, any parliament formed will be nothing more than a rubber-stamp assembly applauding the president.
The so-called interim constitution has transformed al-Sharaa into a de facto autocrat. He holds the power to appoint and dismiss ministers, control the army, the security apparatus and the judiciary, all while imposing religiously framed laws with no safeguards for minorities.
Syria has moved from bad to worse: from Assad’s authoritarianism to al-Sharaa’s budding dictatorship, cloaked in religious legitimacy.
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Syrian regime forces in the predominantly Druze Sweida province
(Photo: Sam HARIRI / AFP)
The Druze have openly rejected al-Sharaa’s legitimacy and vowed to defend their mountain with arms if necessary. The Kurds have threatened to boycott the elections unless decentralization is formally recognized. Christians and Alawites plead for international protection as their villages become targets of sectarian violence.
These are not signs of national unity; they are symptoms of a fractured country spiraling toward deeper conflict.
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Meanwhile, the international community issues little more than statements of concern while sham elections are staged to grant false legitimacy to an emerging dictatorship. Where is international oversight? Where are the guarantees for minority protection?
We must speak plainly: Boycott these fraudulent elections imposed under the barrel of a gun. Reject granting legitimacy to a new dictatorship masquerading as religious governance. Engage in civil disobedience against any authority that crushes the people’s will and tramples minority rights.
Munir DahirIf this charade continues, Syria’s minorities, and indeed all its citizens, will be left with no choice but resistance and a comprehensive boycott until true justice is achieved and a civil constitution guaranteeing equality is enacted.
Syria will not escape this downward spiral until al-Sharaa’s authoritarian project is dismantled.