Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, indicated that the country could take up to four years to hold elections, emphasizing the necessity of drafting a new constitution. He underlined that valid elections require a thorough population census and that political dialogue among various factions is crucial, particularly after the recent regime change. Al-Sharaa also plans for HTS to dissolve as the nation approaches a pivotal national dialogue to shape its future leadership.
Ahmad al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, has projected that elections in the country may take up to four years to be organized. In a recent interview with Al-Arabiya, he emphasized the need for a new constitution, which could take upwards of three years to draft, underscoring that valid elections must be underpinned by a comprehensive population census. This announcement comes in the wake of the recent insurgency that led to the downfall of long-time President Bashar Assad, marking a pivotal moment in Syria’s political landscape.
Al-Sharaa articulated the complexities involved, referencing the necessity for political dialogue among various factions after decades of authoritarian rule. He indicated the considerable time required to rebuild the country’s fractured infrastructure and emphasized the importance of this constitutional endeavor for lasting governance, stating, “The chance we have today doesn’t come every five or 10 years. We want the constitution to last for the longest time possible.”
His leadership will continue until March 1, when a national dialogue is scheduled to address Syria’s political future and establish a transitional government. Notably, Al-Sharaa announced plans for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the dominant rebel faction, to dissolve during this pivotal summit.
Additionally, recent developments included an Israeli airstrike that reportedly killed eleven near Damascus, raising concerns about ongoing regional stability. The airstrike targeted weapons depots associated with Assad’s forces. While recognizing Israel’s military actions aimed at Iran-backed groups, Al-Sharaa expressed a desire to sustain strategic relations with Russia, highlighting its significant role in supporting Assad throughout the conflict. He also noted ongoing discussions with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces regarding potential integration with Syrian security apparatuses, further illustrating the complex dynamics at play within the region.
Syria has been in a state of turmoil since the civil war erupted in 2011, with numerous factions vying for power after the government of President Bashar Assad was significantly challenged. The recent leadership of Ahmad al-Sharaa and HTS reflects a transformative period in Syria’s governance, following the ousting of Assad. The country’s dire need for reconstruction, political dialogue, and a new constitution are critical components of establishing a stable governance framework. The role of foreign actors, including Israel and Russia, further complicates this fragile landscape, shaping the dynamics of local power struggles and international relations.
In summary, Ahmad al-Sharaa’s statements indicate a long and complex road ahead for Syria as it seeks to establish a new political framework and hold inclusive elections. The challenge of drafting a new constitution and conducting a population census reflects the deep-seated issues stemming from years of conflict and authoritarian rule. The convergence of internal factions and external geopolitical interests, particularly from Russia and Israel, will heavily influence the nation’s path forward as it navigates through this transformative era.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
