Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, has announced that elections might take up to four years to organize as a population census is required prior to voting. Following the removal of Bashar al-Assad, al-Sharaa expressed hopes for significant changes in the coming year. He also highlighted the strategic partnership with Russia, alongside aspirations for potential sanctions relief from the incoming US administration.
Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has indicated that holding elections in the country might take as long as four years. This statement marks the first time Mr. al-Sharaa has addressed a potential electoral timeline since his forces ousted former leader Bashar al-Assad three weeks ago. In an interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya, al-Sharaa expressed that a new census would be required to determine eligible voters prior to any meaningful election, underscoring the necessity of organizing a comprehensive population census before proceeding with elections.
Notably, al-Sharaa anticipates significant changes within Syria over the next year, suggesting the dissolution of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, the primary military and political entity in the country, during a forthcoming national dialogue conference. The new government in Damascus is striving to establish peace and reassure neighboring nations about stability within Syria. Furthermore, al-Sharaa highlighted the shared strategic interests between Syria and Russia, describing the nature of their bilateral relationship after al-Assad’s removal. He articulated hopes that the administration of President-elect Donald Trump might consider lifting existing sanctions on Syria, following recent meetings with senior US diplomats who described al-Sharaa as pragmatic.
The context of Syria’s ongoing political transformation involves the significant shift brought about by the removal of Bashar al-Assad, a ruler who led the country for over fifteen years amid a brutal civil war. The emergence of Ahmed al-Sharaa as the de facto leader highlights a pivotal moment in Syria’s governance dynamics. With elections on the horizon, the new regime is focused on establishing legitimacy through electoral procedures, which necessitate comprehensive planning, including conducting a nationwide census to prepare for voter registration. The stability and unity of Syria post-Assad remain critical issues, as al-Sharaa attempts to reassure both domestic and international stakeholders of the country’s potential for recovery and collaborative peace initiatives.
In conclusion, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s comments on the future of elections in Syria signify a critical step towards rebuilding the country’s governance structure following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. His emphasis on the need for a population census before elections demonstrates a commitment to establishing a lawful and inclusive electoral process. As Syria seeks stability and peace, the cooperation with key allies and the pragmatic approach towards international relations will be essential for its recovery and progress.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
