Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, states that elections could take up to four years, requiring a new constitution and a population census. His group, HTS, may dissolve after political dialogues aimed at unifying Syria. Concurrently, Israeli strikes continue to impact the region as al-Sharaa discusses relationships with regional powers and negotiations with Kurdish forces.
Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has indicated that the process of holding elections could span up to four years, contingent upon various prerequisites, including the establishment of a new constitution and a full population census. Al-Sharaa, who heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), expressed the necessity for a dialogue among Syria’s diverse political factions following decades of autocratic rule under the al-Assad administration. He anticipates a national dialogue summit where HTS may dissolve, marking a significant shift in the country’s governance. Furthermore, the ongoing war has ravaged Syria’s infrastructure, requiring substantial reconstruction before valid elections can take place.
In an interview with Saudi television network Al-Arabiya, al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of dialogue and the development of a constitution that can endure. He noted that the current opportunity for change is rare and that the new constitution should last as long as possible. The planned political discussions, set for early March, aim to bring unity to the fragmented nation and lay the groundwork for a transitional government.
Moreover, recent Israeli airstrikes in Syria, which resulted in civilian casualties, highlight the ongoing regional tensions. While discussing the strategic landscape, al-Sharaa expressed a desire to maintain cooperative relations with Russia, contrasting his criticisms of Iran, and noted that negotiations with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces are ongoing. The emergence of new factions post-insurgency has led to friction, particularly between Turkish-backed rebels and the SDF.
To summarize, the timeline for Syria’s political stabilization appears extended due to necessary foundational steps, including constitutional reforms and infrastructure rebuilding, punctuated by ongoing conflicts and regional dynamics.
The conflict in Syria, which began as a peaceful uprising in 2011, evolved into a devastating civil war that resulted in the overthrow of long-time president Bashar Assad by various factions, notably Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). As the country grapples with profound humanitarian and infrastructure crises, the establishment of a new governance framework is essential for fostering peace and stability. This situation underscores the intricate relationships among local factions, foreign powers, and ongoing conflicts that complicate potential political solutions. In light of these challenges, the discussions led by Ahmad al-Sharaa and the developments surrounding the proposed elections represent a pivotal moment for Syria’s future.
In conclusion, Ahmad al-Sharaa’s statements regarding the timeline for elections in Syria highlight the complexity of the current political landscape as the country transitions from decades of autocratic rule. The need for a comprehensive approach including constitutional reform and dialogue among conflicting factions is crucial for a successful election process. Furthermore, ongoing military actions in the region and the dynamics with various political groups necessitate careful navigation to establish a sustainable and unified governance structure in post-conflict Syria.
Original Source: www.euronews.com
