The Armenian Union Party issued a statement today criticizing the mechanism for appointing members of the Syrian Parliament (the “People’s Council”) in Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria, considering that it has led to “clear marginalization” of the Armenian and Christian components, alongside the exclusion of other groups.
The statement pointed out that the mechanism adopted in the People’s Council elections in the governorate “constitutes a departure from the principles of the Syrian national fabric based on pluralism, diversity, and respect for the rights of all components,” expressing “deep regret and concern” over the results of the electoral process.
The statement explained that the procedures followed “do not reflect the true will of the people of Hasakah Governorate,” noting that the electoral college was restricted “almost entirely to employees in state institutions or organizations and associations associated with them.” This, according to the party, “deprived wide segments of citizens of their constitutional right to choose their representatives” and led to results that “do not express the social and demographic reality of the governorate.”
The Armenian Union Party added that what occurred “represents an unjustified oversight of the historical, civilizational, political, and national role” played by Armenians in Syria. It emphasized that the Armenian people are “deeply rooted in their Syrian national identity” and have contributed over centuries to the development of the economy, trade, and industry, as well as the enhancement of architecture, arts, theater, and music, in addition to establishing educational and cultural institutions and participating in legislative councils and governments.
The statement noted that Armenians “were historically allocated fixed seats to ensure their representation” and have provided “thousands of martyrs so that Syria remains free.” It stressed that “the sidelining of this role today is an unjust measure that is inconsistent with the principles of national justice or with Syria’s history based on pluralism.”
The party called for a “reconsideration of the representation mechanism,” demanding a comprehensive re-evaluation of the electoral process in Hasakah Governorate. This includes “reforming the electoral college on fair and transparent foundations” and “ensuring balanced representation for all components: Armenians, Kurds, Assyrians, Arabs, and all other religious and national components,” in addition to “redistributing seats in a way that reflects the actual reality of the governorate.”
The statement remarked that the continuation of “exclusionary policies” threatens the cohesion of Syrian society and deepens divisions between its components at a stage that requires “the highest levels of national unity.”
In conclusion, the Armenian Union Party reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of the Armenian component and all Syrian components in Hasakah and across various Syrian territories, working through legal and political means to ensure “fair and true representation” that expresses the will of the citizens and preserves the unity and historical diversity of Syria.
Note: This text is translated from the original Arabic version… Read the Arabic version: Click here
