Derya Ren

 

NEWS CENTER - TEV-DEM Co-Chair Remziye Mihemed stated that the appointments to be made after the elections will not represent the Syrian people, calling the decision undemocratic.

 

The interim Damascus government, established after the fall of the Baath regime, did not address the conflict and chaos in Syria. However, it was reported that soldiers in the interim government's uniform and individuals bearing ISIS emblems were involved in numerous massacres against Alawites and Druze. Instead of clarifying these events, the interim Damascus government announced that it will hold parliamentary elections between September 15 and 20, 2025. However, it was announced that the elections would not be held due to "security problems" in the Autonomous Administration regions and the city of Shuwayda, where the Druze majority resides. The decision stated that appointments would be made after the elections in regions where elections would not be held.

 

While international powers remain silent on the matter, the Autonomous Administration and the people of Suwayda are calling on them to intervene, stating that the elections go against democracy.

 

Remziye Mihemed, co-chair of the Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM), discussed the matter with JINNEWS.

 

The interim Damascus government's view on diversity

 

Mihemed noted that the interim government in Damascus was formed after the fall of the Baath regime. She stated that the interim government considers itself permanent, but in practice, it is not. Mihemed said, "The interim government in Damascus is currently preparing for elections, but it is preventing differences from participating in these elections. The government views these differences differently, and we face a new massacre every day. We cannot say that normal life has been established in Syria right now. The interim government considers itself permanent and has started working towards this goal."

 

'It does not represent the Syrian people'

 

Remziye Mihemed stated that the interim government's ignoring policies created contradictions. She asked, "How long will this attitude accommodate the Syrian people? How much will the government alleviate the people's suffering? People are currently being massacred, migrating, and attacked, and they are living in this chaos. Deciding to hold elections and then excluding all peoples from them mocks the values of those peoples. The election decisions made by the interim government in Damascus do not represent the Syrian people."

 

'The decision will not represent the peoples'

 

Remziye Mihemed emphasized that Northern and Eastern Syria has been governed democratically since the revolution. She said, "The people have a structure within this system where they can represent themselves. Within this system, women and youth lead and govern. All groups participate in the Autonomous Administration and demonstrate their representation. The decision taken by the interim government in Damascus will not appeal to the people and will not be democratic. The democratic system has already been established in areas under the control of the Autonomous Administration."

 

70 percent appointments after the elections

 

Mihemed also noted that the election decisions excluded many regions and stated that an election that does not include all Syrians will not bring democracy and freedom to the people. She said, "After the elections, 70 percent of the appointments will be made from regions not included in the elections. These appointments cannot represent the Syrian people. Therefore, those who are appointed will have the same mentality as the interim government in Damascus."

 

'HTS does not take any steps without Turkey'

 

Remziye Mihemed noted that the Baath regime did not respond to Turkey's occupation of areas such as Serêkaniye, Jarablus, Girê Spî, Afrin, Minbij, and Azaz, and that this silence persisted during the interim Damascus government. She drew attention to the meetings and agreements between the interim Damascus government and Turkey, saying, "Turkey's dominance over the Syrian government is evident. Before every important meeting, Turkey holds talks with the interim Damascus government. We can draw the following conclusion: HTS does not take any steps without Turkey."

 

The March 10 Agreement emphasized

 

Mihemed added that international democratic mass organizations should react against the decisions taken by the interim Damascus government. He concluded by saying, "The Syrian people are waging a great struggle. When we look at Northern and Eastern Syria, we can see that a democratic structure has emerged. Due to this, the people of Shuwayda have also organized themselves. However, the agreement signed on March 10 between the QSD and the interim Damascus government has not yet taken effect. This delay is causing different crises every day. Therefore, international powers need to pressure the interim Damascus government to implement the agreement."