Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has stated that elections might be delayed for up to four years post-Assad’s ousting. A new census is vital for identifying eligible voters. He expressed hopes for national dialogue and indicated a possible dissolution of HTS as part of the political transition. Al-Sharaa seeks peaceful relations with Russia and hopes for lifted US sanctions.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, has indicated that the country may require up to four years to conduct elections following the recent ouster of Bashar al-Assad by opposition forces led by al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). This statement marks the first time al-Sharaa has addressed an electoral timeline since the political shift occurred three weeks ago. He emphasized that a new census would be essential for determining eligible voters, suggesting that comprehensive elections cannot precede this demographic assessment.
The conflict in Syria has resulted in substantial political turmoil and devastation over the past 15 years. Ahmed al-Sharaa’s ascension to leadership and his statements regarding a potential electoral schedule come against the backdrop of ongoing efforts to stabilize governance in the aftermath of the recent regime change. Al-Sharaa’s leadership within HTS signifies a shift in the political landscape, one that seeks to reassure domestic and international stakeholders of Syria’s commitment to peace.
In summary, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s comments reflect the complexities involved in transitioning towards a stable electoral process in Syria. The anticipated timeline for elections and the necessary steps, including a new census and constitutional drafting, highlight the significant challenges faced by the new leadership. Al-Sharaa’s outreach to both regional allies and the potential openness to US diplomacy may be crucial in steering Syria towards stability and international acceptance.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
