Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, announced that elections could be organized in up to four years while emphasizing the need for infrastructure and a new constitution. He also stated HTS will be dissolved. He seeks international legitimacy and is engaging diplomatically with various nations, marking a shift from his previous status as a jihadist leader.
Elections in Syria may take up to four years to organize, according to Ahmad al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of the country following the recent overthrow of the Assad regime by his rebel group. In his comments—reported by Saudi channel Al Arabiya—Al-Sharaa outlined the necessity of establishing infrastructure and drafting a new constitution, processes that are expected to take considerable time.
Al-Sharaa, who leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), emphasized that the interim government aims to not merely manage but to re-establish the nation after years of destruction under a longstanding rule. He articulated the importance of crafting a constitution that appropriately regulates society to prevent a recurrence of past issues that plagued the nation for six decades.
Furthermore, Al-Sharaa indicated that HTS will eventually be dissolved and that this transition will be addressed at the forthcoming National Dialogue Conference, the timing of which remains unspecified. His administration has also expressed a desire for Russia to maintain an appropriate presence in Syria, amidst reports of military withdrawal following Assad’s fall.
International recognition is a key focus for Al-Sharaa, as evidenced by a recent meeting with a Ukrainian delegation and interactions with diplomatic representatives from various countries, including the United States. In an unusual shift for a former jihadist leader who previously had a bounty of $10 million on his head, he is actively seeking legitimacy on the global stage and engaging in diplomatic conversations that signal a departure from his past affiliations.
The current political landscape in Syria has dramatically shifted, with Ahmad al-Sharaa emerging as a significant figure following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. By taking control of the insurgent group HTS, Al-Sharaa is now involved in managing the transitional phase for the country, which includes organizing elections and drafting a new constitution. This transition is essential not only for rebuilding Syria but also for addressing its complicated geopolitical relationships with entities such as Russia and the international community. The backdrop includes extensive historical grievances and a tumultuous regime that deeply affected Syrian society, thereby complicating any efforts at restoring governance in a manner that does not repeat past mistakes. The Syrian populace is now observing how leadership will be structured and whether Al-Sharaa can foster stability and garner international support.
In conclusion, the timeline for elections in Syria could extend to four years as the interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa prioritizes the establishment of essential infrastructure and the creation of a new constitution. While navigating the complexities of international relations and seeking legitimacy on a global stage, Al-Sharaa’s administration faces the monumental task of rebuilding a nation marred by years of conflict. The forthcoming National Dialogue Conference will be pivotal for establishing a clear pathway towards stability and governance.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
