Damascus: Members of Syria's People's Assembly have elected Dr. Abdul-Hamid Al-Awak as Speaker of the Parliament during the assembly's first session. Al-Awak secured 99 votes in a secret ballot held on Sunday, marking the first major test for the newly reconstituted parliament.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the opening session was chaired by the oldest member of parliament, Osama Al-Assaf, who began proceedings with the members taking the constitutional oath before opening nominations for the position of speaker. Three candidates competed for the post: Dr. Abdul-Hamid Al-Awak, MP Mouayad Hael Qabalaoui, and MP Mohammad Ramiz Kourj.

Following a confidential vote count, Al-Awak was declared the winner after receiving 99 votes. His election was met with applause from the majority of attending lawmakers, reflecting broad support for his leadership at a sensitive stage for the country's parliamentary process.