Syria’s new transitional parliament convened for the first time Sunday, launching a five-year political transition aimed at drafting a post-Assad constitution following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.

The 210-member assembly will serve as Syria’s legislature until national elections are held, but its legitimacy is already under scrutiny. Two-thirds of lawmakers were selected by government-appointed electoral colleges, while the remaining third were handpicked by President Ahmad al-Sharaa, fueling criticism that the new leadership is consolidating power rather than opening the political system.

The parliament begins its work as Syria remains deeply unstable. Large parts of the country’s south remain outside government control after deadly clashes between Druze militias and pro-government forces, underscoring the security challenges facing Damascus as it attempts to rebuild the country.

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