Syria’s de facto leader Ahmad al-Sharaa stated that organizing elections may take up to four years, following the toppling of Assad. He highlighted the need for infrastructure development and a comprehensive constitutional framework. Al-Sharaa is seeking international legitimacy and diplomatic ties, engaging with entities including the US and Ukraine while signaling a potential dissolution of HTS in the future.
Elections in Syria may take as long as four years to organize, according to Ahmad al-Sharaa, the de facto leader following the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by his extremist group, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS). This statement marks al-Sharaa’s first public comment on the electoral timeline since the regime’s collapse. He emphasized the necessity of establishing an adequate infrastructure to facilitate upcoming elections and acknowledged the intricate process of drafting a new constitution, projecting that this could require as much as three years.
Al-Sharaa further remarked on the importance of rebuilding the nation, which has suffered extensive destruction over decades of authoritarian rule. “We are now in the re-foundation of the country and not just managing the country,” he stated, stressing the importance of shaping a constitution that could prevent historical mistakes from recurring in Syria’s future government structure.
Additionally, al-Sharaa indicated the eventual dissolution of HTS, which will be formally announced during the forthcoming National Dialogue Conference intended to guide the transitional phase, although no specific date for this conference has yet been established. He also discussed the evolving relationship with Russia, outlining a desire for their conduct in Syria to align with broader diplomatic relations.
In a noteworthy diplomatic gesture, a Ukrainian delegation led by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visited Damascus to meet with al-Sharaa, highlighting shared experiences between the Ukrainian and Syrian peoples. Al-Sharaa’s shift towards seeking international legitimacy includes recent discussions with a high-level U.S. delegation, led by Barbara Leaf, who confirmed the U.S. would dissolve a $10 million bounty previously placed on him.
In addition, al-Sharaa’s engagement with several European nations and regional powers indicates a strategy focused on fostering international relations. His recent comments reflect a desire to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia while urging Iran to reconsider its involvement in regional affairs, suggesting a significant shift in Syria’s diplomatic landscape as it seeks to redefine its connections post-Assad.
The current situation in Syria follows the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by the extremist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) in December. Following this change in leadership, Ahmad al-Sharaa’s remarks signal a notable pivot toward organizing elections and establishing a new political framework. Al-Sharaa’s group, previously affiliated with extremist ideologies, is attempting to reposition itself on the global stage by engaging in diplomacy and seeking international recognition, particularly from regional powers like Saudi Arabia and global powers like the United States.
In conclusion, Ahmad al-Sharaa’s assertion regarding a four-year timeline for elections in Syria highlights the extensive challenges ahead in establishing a new political order following the Assad regime’s removal. The emphasis on rebuilding infrastructure, drafting a new constitution, and enhancing international relations are crucial steps toward legitimizing the new leadership. Al-Sharaa’s evolving role from a jihadist figure to a statesman indicates significant shifts in Syria’s domestic and foreign policies, potentially laying the groundwork for a new era in the country.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
