Syria is holding voting today, Sunday, to establish its first parliament since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime last December, with the process limited to members of the officially recognized electoral bodies in the Syrian governorates.

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA):

• Elections will be held in most electoral districts across the governorates, while later dates will be set for voting in some areas of Raqqa and Al-Hasakah, and the seats of the remaining districts, including all districts of Al-Suwayda governorate, will remain vacant until suitable conditions are met.

• Polling centers will open at 9:00 AM local time and close at 12:00 PM.

• If not all members of the electoral body have voted, voting can be extended until 4:00 PM at the latest.

This step comes as part of the Syrian authorities’ efforts to reform the legislative authority following recent political changes.