Storyline: Syria's transitional authorities on Sunday launched the country's first parliamentary elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's government last December, marking a new stage in the country's post-conflict political transition. Polling stations opened at 09:00 local time (0600 GMT) Sunday across most provinces for members of local electoral bodies to cast their votes for the 210-seat People's Assembly, according to the Higher Committee for People's Assembly Elections. More than 1,500 candidates, including 14 percent women, are contesting seats across 50 electoral districts. The final results are expected to be released on Monday. Committee Spokesman Nawar Najmeh said the elections were conducted under a temporary system that stipulates two-thirds of the parliament's members are elected, while the remaining one-third are appointed by Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa. Officials say this approach aims to ensure fair representation for all regions and social groups during Syria's transition. Najmeh explained that instead of being decided by a direct public vote, the elections were conducted through local electoral bodies composed of community representatives. These bodies, elected earlier this year, are responsible for both organizing the vote and choosing members of parliament from among themselves. "We are seeking those with expertise in various sectors who can represent the people in the parliament. As business and engineering professionals, we are ready to be here with our suggestions," said Mohammad Maulavi, a member of the Higher Committee for People's Assembly Elections. Voting has been postponed in most parts of Raqqa and Hasakah, and failed to take place in Sweida, as all three provinces are currently not under the control of the administration in Damascus. Shotlist: Damascus, Syria - Recent: 1. Various of government building, Syrian flag Damascus, Syria - Oct 5, 2025 2. Various of voting for parliamentary elections in progress 3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mohammad Maulavi, member, Higher Committee for People's Assembly Elections (partially overlaid with shot 4): "We are seeking those with expertise in various sectors who can represent the people in the parliament. As business and engineering professionals, we are ready to be here with our suggestions." 4. Voting in progress Damascus, Syria - Recent: 5. Various of pedestrians, traffic [Restrictions: No Access Chinese mainland/Orient TV/Syria Alshaab TV/Zanoubia TV/Alhurra TV/ANN TV/Al Jazeera/ Al-Arabiya TV]