Syria's newly appointed transitional parliament convened for its first session in Damascus on Sunday, marking a significant step in the country's political transition 19 months after rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa overthrew longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad.
Lawmakers took the constitutional oath as al-Sharaa urged members to place "national interest above all" and called on them to make the assembly "a model of responsibility and competence".
The 210-seat People's Assembly is expected to draft a new constitution and exercise legislative authority until a permanent constitution is adopted and nationwide elections are organized.
United Nations Deputy Special Envoy for Syria Claudio Cordone described the opening session as "a key milestone in the country's political transition" and said the international community would closely follow its work while remaining ready to provide support.
Al-Sharaa told lawmakers that improving the economy, strengthening public services and attracting international investment would be among the parliament's key priorities.
He also said, "Syria is writing a glorious history that reflects its heroism, and we face the responsibility of building both the nation and the individual."
Under Syria's interim governing arrangements, two-thirds of lawmakers were selected through regional electoral colleges last year, while al-Sharaa appointed the remaining 70 members earlier this month.
Officials said nationwide elections were not feasible because years of conflict left millions displaced and made population records and voter rolls unreliable.
Critics, however, argued that the selection process granted the executive branch broad influence over the composition of parliament.
Abdel Halim al-Awak was elected speaker after receiving 99 votes.
The parliament currently operates under a temporary constitutional declaration that grants it limited authority and does not require the government to secure a parliamentary vote of confidence.
Its mandate is set for 30 months and is renewable until a permanent constitution is adopted and elections become possible.
The chamber includes 21 women, representing roughly 10 percent of lawmakers.
Authorities have not released a full breakdown of representation for ethnic and religious minorities.
Four parliamentary seats remain vacant, including three reserved for Sweida province, where authorities said appointments have been postponed until conditions become suitable.
Al-Sharaa has said he supports holding general elections once infrastructure and official documentation allow.