The Sixth Chamber of Deputies () was the parliament of the Second Syrian Republic from October 1953 to February 1954. It was formed under the presidential regime of Adib Shishakli following the adoption of the 1953 constitution.
The chamber operated during a period of authoritarian rule and limited political participation, and was dissolved shortly after the 1954 coup.
Background
On 10 July 1953, Adib Shishakli, acting in the name of the Supreme Military Council, promulgated a new constitution establishing a presidential system for the first time in Syria. This constitution, consisting of 129 articles, marked the first formal transition to a republic with strong executive powers vested in the president.
On 11 July 1953, Shishakli was elected President through a popular referendum as the sole candidate.
On 30 July 1953, a new electoral law was issued, reducing the number of parliamentary seats to 83 and regulating political activity. While some political participation was allowed, major opposition forces boycotted the process.
Elections and formation
Parliamentary elections were held on 23 October 1953. The elections were largely boycotted by major political parties, resulting in a dominant victory for the Arab Liberation Movement (), the political party established by Shishakli.
Bureau Position Name Party Tenure Speaker Maamun al-Kuzbari Deputy Speaker Said Ishaq Secretary Wajih al-Jabri Badr Marqabi Makram al-Jandali Overseer Jihad al-Hawwash Abd al-Latif al-Miqdad Muhammad Salih Abu Asali
Members
Dissolution
By early 1954, opposition to Shishakli intensified across Syria. Amid growing unrest and political pressure, Shishakli fled the country on 24 February 1954.
Shortly thereafter, on 26 February 1954, the Chamber of Deputies was dissolved, marking the end of the presidential system established in 1953 and paving the way for the restoration of parliamentary life.
References