Members of Syria's electoral colleges have voted for new politicians, a milestone in the nation's shift away from the ousted regime of Bashar al-Assad and a major test of inclusivity under its current Islamist-led authorities.

The indirect vote comes as President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who came to power after his rebel offensive toppled Assad in December, tries to consolidate his hold over a nation fractured by a 14-year war and bouts of sectarian violence that have fuelled distrust of him among minorities.

A combined 6000 electors cast ballots at regional electoral colleges with preliminary results are expected later on Monday AEDT, according to Mohammed Al-Ahmed, the head of Syria's higher electoral committee.

Sunday's vote will determine nearly two-thirds of parliament's 210 seats, but the

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