Today, the first parliamentary elections are being held in Syria since the civil war and the overthrow of the Assad regime.

Axar.az reports that not all Syrian citizens will take part in these elections.

Political parties have also been excluded from the elections.

The authorities have banned former Assad supporters from participating, voting, or being elected. Instead, various committees and electoral colleges will vote to determine the members of the 250-seat parliament. One-third of the parliament will be appointed by Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara.

In June, the Supreme Committee appointed by the transitional government to oversee the elections to the People’s Council designated 11 members to supervise the process.

In turn, the Supreme Committee has established subcommittees in Syria’s 62 electoral districts. Depending on population size, some districts will have more than one seat in the People’s Council.