Syria will elect a new People's Assembly on Sunday, the first parliament to be chosen since the fall of Bashar al-Assad and a major test of inclusivity under its current Islamist-led authorities.

President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who came to power after his rebel offensive toppled Assad in December, is trying to consolidate his hold over a nation fractured by a 14-year war and bouts of sectarian violence that fuelled distrust of him among minorities.

The indirect vote will see a combined 6000 electors cast ballots at regional electoral colleges starting around 5pm AEDT, with polls closing around 1am on Monday AEDT.

A committee appointed by Sharaa approved 1570 candidates who showcased their platforms in seminars and debates this week. But public electioneering was muted, with no posters or bil

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