Syria’s Elections May Be Delayed up to Four Years, Says Interim Leader
Syria’s interim leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, announced elections could be delayed up to four years as his administration focuses on rebuilding the country and drafting a new constitution. Following the ousting of the Assad regime by HTS, Al-Sharaa’s remarks signal efforts to establish legitimacy and a path forward for the war-torn nation. He also indicated the eventual dissolution of HTS and the importance of maintaining relations with Russia while seeking international partnerships, including a recent diplomatic visit from Ukraine.
Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has indicated that elections in the country could be delayed for up to four years. His remarks mark a significant moment since his faction, Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), recently assumed control following the ousting of the Assad regime. Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, emphasized the need to establish a solid infrastructure and draft a new constitution, which he estimates could take three years to complete. “The constitution must regulate society so that the previous experience does not repeat itself and Syria heads to the same direction it was in for the past 60 years,” he stated. Additionally, he mentioned that HTS would eventually dissolve in alignment with the forthcoming National Dialogue Conference, though no date has been set for this crucial meeting.
Al-Sharaa also commented on the changing dynamics with international partners, notably highlighting the importance of Russia’s continued presence in Syria. He expressed a desire for Russia to sustain its relations with the country, despite reports of military withdrawals following the Assad regime’s fall. On the diplomatic front, Syria has welcomed various international delegates, including a recent visit from Ukraine’s foreign minister, reinforcing a desire for global legitimacy in the wake of the regime change. Al-Sharaa’s past, which includes a significant U.S. bounty on his head, has seemingly influenced his approach, as he seeks to distance himself from his jihadist roots, presenting a more statesman-like demeanor in recent engagements with overseas officials.
The political landscape in Syria has undergone a drastic transformation following the recent removal of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS). Ahmad al-Sharaa’s comments regarding the timeline for elections and the drafting of a new constitution reflect the efforts of the interim government to establish a legitimate governance structure amidst extensive destruction from over five decades of autocratic rule. These developments hint at a significant shift in governance and international relations as the new leadership seeks to redefine Syria’s future while navigating its complicated past.
In conclusion, Ahmad al-Sharaa’s announcement regarding a potential four-year timeline for Syria’s elections encapsulates the complexities faced by the new interim government. The emphasis on infrastructure and constitutional development reveals a commitment to establishing a stable regime. Furthermore, the outreach to international partners signifies a strategic move towards gaining legitimacy, as the new leadership attempts to rectify the legacy of past governance. The future will hinge on the successful execution of these plans amidst intricate geopolitical dynamics.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
