The 2022 Syrian local elections : a leadership rooted in regime networks

In the 2022 local administrative council elections, as in earlier local and parliamentary elections, the Baath Party maintained its dominant role. It put up a large number of Baathist candidates for the purpose of propaganda, organised the electoral process and controlled the results. Predictably, the party secured significant majorities in the new councils, with some variation across governorates. Civil servants form the backbone of executive officers in the new local councils. Their predominant presence links local councils to the government and political centre. Among them, technocrats guarantee that local councils achieve a minimum level of performance. Contrary to official narratives and instructions from the Baath leadership, the representation of women and young people remains low. While the Baath Party implemented the regime's strategy to secure its control over local councils, patronage relationships also played an important role in selecting the winning candidates. Influential figures and centres of power intervened in the final selection of executive office members. The outcome of the elections was largely shaped by these interventions, together with the political capital of each member. The positions of powerful actors who sponsored council members varied from one governorate to another. While some officials at the national level exerted influence in Damascus, there were more frequent interventions by localised power centres such as the intelligence services, Baath Party leaders and some powerful local figures in other governorates. In their new positions, the presidents of local councils and members of executive offices might develop further ties with their backers and serve their economic interests in return for support and protection. Moreover, local councils provide their members with various opportunities to advance their personal interests. These are primarily business interests given the competencies of councils in various economic sectors, particularly construction and real estate. Being a council member might also allow further political ascension and enhance the social status of those from humble origins or reinforce the prestige of those from influential families.