Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s new leader, announced that elections may take up to four years to occur, citing the need for a census and constitutional drafting. His statements signal a focus on stability and peace in Syria, while affirming strategic ties with Russia and expressing hope for changes under President-elect Trump.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s newly established leader following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, has indicated that the process of holding elections in the war-torn nation may extend up to four years. This announcement marks al-Sharaa’s first formal comment on election prospects since his rise to leadership three weeks ago. In an interview with Saudi Arabia’s state-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, he explained that significant preparatory measures such as a nationwide population census are necessary to ensure meaningful electoral participation.
In his statements, al-Sharaa projected that drafting a new constitution could consume three years, subsequently delaying potential elections. He emphasized the importance of a comprehensive census to determine the number of eligible voters, stating, “Any meaningful elections will require conducting a comprehensive population census.” Despite the lengthy electoral timeline, he expressed optimism that Syrians could witness transformative changes within the next year as his government intends to dissolve the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group at a forthcoming national dialogue conference.
Moreover, al-Sharaa sought to reassure regional neighbors of Syria’s commitment to peace and stability, asserting, “Syria will not be a source of disturbance to anyone.” He underlined the strategic relationship between Syria and Russia, highlighting shared interests and maintaining that discussions regarding the operational status of Russian military bases in Syria would occur with the new regime in Damascus. He also articulated hopes that the incoming U.S. administration under President-elect Donald Trump would reconsider and possibly alleviate sanctions imposed on Syria.
The context of the Syrian electoral timeline surfaces following a significant shift in power dynamics with the recent ousting of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad. As Ahmed al-Sharaa assumes leadership, he faces the challenge of navigating a country fractured by years of war. This situation necessitates a thoughtful approach towards rebuilding governance structures, including the establishment of electoral practices, population representation, and constitutional reforms. The comments made by al-Sharaa reflect efforts to stabilize the political environment amidst regional and international scrutiny.
In conclusion, Ahmed al-Sharaa has outlined a comprehensive and prolonged timeline for holding elections in Syria, emphasizing the importance of foundational preparations such as a population census. His commitment to stability, regional relations, and potential constitutional changes points toward a cautious yet hopeful path forward for Syria. The planned dissolution of HTS reflects an intention to unify governance and culture while aligning with international partners, notably Russia, as the nation embarks on a transformative journey.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
