Ahmed al-Sharaa, the transitional president of Syria, announced it would take four to five years to hold presidential elections. He emphasized the need for infrastructure redevelopment and updated electoral data to ensure legitimacy. Sharaa plans to form a temporary legislative council and convene a national conference to discuss significant issues, aiming for a constitutional declaration.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the newly appointed transitional president of Syria, announced on Monday that it would take approximately four to five years to conduct presidential elections. This timeline marks the first formal indication of when the electoral process might begin since his appointment on January 30. Sharaa emphasized the necessity of rebuilding the country’s infrastructure, which is critical for facilitating effective elections, stating, “There is a need for a vast infrastructure, and this infrastructure needs to be re-established and establishing it needs time.”
In an interview with Syria TV, Sharaa highlighted the importance of updating the country’s electoral data by consolidating population information. He asserted that conducting elections without this data would lead to skepticism about their legitimacy. Additionally, he noted that Syria would adhere to international norms regarding transitional governance, ultimately leading to a properly elected presidency. However, he did not specify the international standards he referenced.
Following his declaration as transitional president, Sharaa was given the responsibility to create a temporary legislative council while the Syrian constitution remains suspended. He reaffirmed his commitment to initiating a political transition and organizing a national conference aimed at forming an inclusive government. This conference will serve as a forum to address critical issues facing Syria, with a final statement intended to guide future constitutional developments.
Sharaa indicated that a preparatory committee would be established to hold consultations throughout Syria. This committee will extend invitations to representatives deemed reflective of the broader Syrian populace. The aim is to deliberate on vital national concerns and produce a foundational “constitutional declaration.” Sharaa suggested that drafting a new constitution could take as long as three years, indicating a significant commitment to a structured and thorough transition process.
The context of this announcement stems from continued efforts to stabilize governance in Syria following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad by an Islamist rebel group led by Sharaa. His appointment as transitional president and the subsequent suspension of the constitution signify a significant shift in leadership. The emphasis on rebuilding infrastructure and soliciting public representation illustrates the complexity of establishing a legitimate electoral process in a region marked by conflict and dislocation.
In summary, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s announcement regarding a four to five-year timeline for presidential elections in Syria reflects the considerable challenges ahead in establishing a stable governance structure. His commitment to adhering to international norms and fostering inclusive dialogue underscores the importance of rebuilding trust among the Syrian populace. The proposed national conference aims to address critical national issues, paving the way toward a constitutional framework and eventual elections.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
