Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s transitional president, has announced that presidential elections will take place in four to five years. He stresses the need for infrastructure rebuilding and accurate electoral data. Sharaa aims to follow international standards, form a legislative council, and engage the Syrian populace in consultations to address critical national issues before elections.
Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced a timeline for presidential elections, indicating they would occur in four to five years. This announcement marks his first detail regarding the electoral process since he assumed leadership after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa emphasized the necessity to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and update electoral data before conducting elections to ensure their credibility.
During an interview with Syria TV, Sharaa stated, “I estimate that the period will be between four to five years until elections because there is a need for a vast infrastructure, and this infrastructure needs to be re-established and establishing it needs time.” He highlighted the importance of consolidating population data to update electoral registries, stressing that any elections held without this data would be inherently questioned.
Sharaa outlined his commitment to abide by international norms regarding transitional governance. He noted that these standards would guide the transition toward a democratically elected presidency and authority. While the specific norms he referenced were not detailed, he assured that a political transition would include forming a temporary legislative council and suspending the existing Syrian constitution.
To facilitate this transition, Sharaa announced plans for a national conference aimed at establishing an inclusive government. A preparatory committee will be organized to conduct consultations across Syria, inviting representatives believed to adequately reflect the Syrian populace. He indicated that the conference would address critical issues facing the nation and would culminate in a constitutional declaration.
In previous statements, Sharaa indicated that drafting a new constitution could require a timeline of up to three years. His leadership comes on the heels of significant political changes in Syria, culminating in a broader effort to create a stable and representative governance structure that resonates with the people’s needs.
The announcement by Ahmed al-Sharaa comes at a crucial juncture in Syria’s ongoing transformation following the collapse of the Assad regime. Sharaa, a former rebel leader, has assumed a significant role in steering the nation towards a more democratic framework. His comments reflect a recognition of the challenges posed by rebuilding the country’s infrastructure and governance following years of conflict, establishing a clear route towards future elections.
In summary, Ahmed al-Sharaa has outlined a proactive approach towards establishing a democratic election process in Syria, with a projected timeline of four to five years. His commitment to rebuilding the infrastructure and updating electoral data is essential for the integrity of the upcoming elections. Furthermore, Sharaa’s plans for a national conference signal a collaborative attempt to engage diverse voices in shaping Syria’s political future, thus setting a foundation for potential constitutional reforms.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
