The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria intends to hold municipal elections on June 11, a controversial move that is likely to escalate political and military tensions in the region. These elections coincide with unfavorable conditions, as northeastern Syria experiences complex international and regional interactions. Many analysts view these elections as a new step towards consolidating the Kurdish Democratic Union Party’s (PYD) control and imposing a new political reality that threatens Syria’s territorial integrity.
Imposing Full Control by the Democratic Union Party
These elections appear to be a clear attempt by the PYD to strengthen its grip on the region and assert its political dominance. Since the onset of the Syrian revolution, the PYD has sought to establish an independent political entity under the guise of the Autonomous Administration, exploiting the chaos and collapse witnessed by the Syrian regime and opposition-held areas. With the approval of the new social contract, the party now attempts through these elections to confirm its control and consolidate its influence, raising concerns about future steps towards an actual declaration of independence.
Beginning of the Partition Process
These elections are a step towards the partition of Syria. The Autonomous Administration, dominated by the PYD, seeks to establish an independent political entity, which contradicts Syria’s territorial unity and sovereignty. This step poses a significant threat to Syria’s territorial integrity and reinforces the feared partition scenario. This scenario not only threatens Syria but also the entire region’s security, as Syria’s partition could lead to widespread regional instability.
International and Regional Stances
The elections face widespread rejection from several international and regional parties. The United States, for example, has rejected these elections, deeming them illegitimate and non-transparent, indicating that the current conditions do not allow for free and fair elections. Turkey has also expressed deep concern over these elections, considering them a step aimed at dividing Syria and threatening its national security. Turkish statements indicate Ankara’s readiness to intervene militarily if necessary to prevent the imposition of a new reality on the ground.
Assad Regime’s Stance
The dictator Bashar al-Assad’s regime has not issued an official comment, but its media attacked the elections, considering them separatist and illegitimate. The regime believes that these elections strengthen the Syrian Democratic Forces’ (SDF) authority and weaken its ability to reassert control over all Syrian territories.
From a critical perspective, these elections are seen as a poorly calculated move by the Autonomous Administration. Instead of promoting stability, they may exacerbate internal and external tensions. Proceeding with these elections without national and international consensus reflects the Autonomous Administration’s policy of imposing a fait accompli, a policy that could harm the region’s future. Elections under such conditions, lacking international and regional recognition, undermine the legitimacy of the Autonomous Administration and reinforce the image of the PYD as a separatist force seeking its own interests at the expense of national unity.
The elections scheduled to be held in North and East Syria are fraught with many risks and challenges. Instead of enhancing stability and inclusiveness, they may mark the beginning of an actual partition of the country and deepen regional and international tensions.
