Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced that national elections could take up to five years due to necessary infrastructure repairs. Following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad, he aims to establish a republic with a functioning parliament. This includes drafting laws for political parties and forming an interim legislature. Regional support has been noted for Sharaa’s leadership during this transitional phase, marking a significant change in Syria’s governance.
On Monday, Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced that organizing national elections could require up to five years due to the need to re-establish voting infrastructure. Following the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad, he articulated a vision for Syria as a “republic with a parliament and an executive government.” In a pre-recorded interview, Sharaa emphasized that careful planning and time are essential to facilitate the electoral process.
Sharaa, appointed to his role after an Islamist-led coup on December 8, stated that he estimates the electoral timeframe to be between four and five years. He previously mentioned a similar timeline to Al Arabiya TV, indicating a consistent view regarding the preparations required. There is a pressing need to reconstruct the voting infrastructure, he informed the public.
An important aspect of his mandate includes drafting a law to regulate political parties. The dissolution of the Assad-era parliament and the ruling Baath party has paved the way for transformative political structures. Sharaa has been tasked with orchestrating the formation of an interim legislature following his appointment, an endeavor acclaimed by neighboring countries such as Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
As a significant shift in Syria’s governance, the previous constitution has been repealed alongside the disbandment of the Assad-era military and security apparatus. Moreover, various armed factions linked to Sharaa’s own group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have also been dissolved. Currently, a transitional government is in operation to guide the country until March 1.
The announcement signals a pivotal moment in Syrian politics following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad after over fifty years of his family’s rule. This period is marked by attempts to establish a democratic framework, emphasizing the need for extensive preparations for elections that will define Syria’s future governance structure. Regional support for Sharaa’s leadership underscores potential shifts in the political landscape given Syria’s historical context of authoritarian rule.
In conclusion, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s statements on the timeline for elections in Syria reflect a commitment to rebuilding the nation’s political infrastructure following significant governance changes. His vision of a republic coupled with regional support represents a hopeful yet challenging path toward political stabilization and democracy. The transitional phase demands careful planning and public involvement to ensure a successful upcoming electoral process.
Original Source: www.france24.com
