Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced that organizing national elections could take up to five years due to the need to re-establish voting infrastructure. Following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, Sharaa has been tasked with leading the country towards a parliamentary republic while forming an interim legislature and dissolving the previous political structures.
During a recent interview, Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, indicated that organizing national elections could require up to five years due to the need to “re-establish” voting infrastructure. He affirmed that Syria would transition into a republic featuring both a parliament and an executive government. Al-Sharaa’s comments come soon after his appointment as interim president, following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad.
Sharaa further elaborated that his estimates suggest that the electoral process could span between four to five years. He emphasized the importance of revitalizing the electoral infrastructure, which has been ignored during the lengthy autocratic rule. His previous remarks had specified a similar timeframe, noting the complexity of this undertaking.
Following Assad’s ousting on December 8, a collaborative of military leaders appointed Sharaa as interim president. This event marks the end of over fifty years of authoritarian control by the Assad family. Regional powers, including Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, have expressed support for Sharaa’s leadership.
With his new role, he is also charged with establishing an interim legislative body, effectively dissolving the former Assad-era parliament and the ruling Baath Party. Additionally, the previous constitution has been annulled, resulting in the dissolution of the Assad-era military and security institutions, along with armed factions, including Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham.
A transitional government is now in place to manage Syria’s affairs until a more permanent structure can be established by March 1 of the following year.
The recent developments in Syria have witnessed significant political shifts following the downfall of long-time leader Bashar al-Assad. Ahmed al-Sharaa’s appointment as interim president represents a critical juncture as the nation seeks to rebuild its political framework. The timeline for elections, spanning potentially five years, highlights the complexities involved in restoring democratic governance and infrastructure in the post-Assad era. These changes are pivotal in shaping the future of Syria, enabling the country to transition towards a republic with a functioning parliament and government.
In summary, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s announcement regarding the extended timeframe for national elections underscores the substantial challenges ahead for Syria as it emerges from decades of autocratic leadership. With a commitment to restoring a parliamentary system and political structure, the interim president’s role is crucial in navigating this transitional phase. The support from key regional players further emphasizes the importance of this process for the future stability and governance of Syria.
Original Source: www.france24.com
