DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria is set to conduct parliamentary elections in September, marking the first such elections since the fall of former President Bashar Assad. Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, the chairman of the Higher Committee for People’s Assembly Elections, announced that the elections will occur between September 15 and 20.

These elections will be the first under the new authorities established after Assad's ousting during a rapid rebel offensive in December. Of the 210 parliamentary seats, one-third will be appointed by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, while the remaining seats will be filled through elections.

Hassan al-Daghim, a member of the elections committee, stated in a recent interview that an electoral college will be established in each province to facilitate the voting process for the elected seats. A temporary constitution, signed by al-Sharaa in March, mandates the formation of a People’s Committee to function as an interim parliament until a permanent constitution is adopted and general elections are conducted, a process that may take several years.

The announcement of the elections comes amid rising tensions and divisions within the country. Recent sectarian violence in the southern province of Sweida has resulted in hundreds of deaths and poses a significant threat to Syria's fragile postwar transition. The clashes, which erupted two weeks ago, were triggered by a series of retaliatory kidnappings involving armed Bedouin clans and members of the Druze religious minority.

In response to the violence, Syrian government forces intervened, but reports indicate they effectively sided with the Bedouin clans. Allegations have surfaced that some government fighters executed Druze civilians and engaged in acts of arson and looting.

In a related development, Israel has conducted airstrikes against Syrian government forces and the Defense Ministry headquarters in Damascus, claiming these actions were necessary to protect the Druze minority.