Syria’s Interim President Estimates Five-Year Timeline for Elections
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, stated that organizing national elections could take up to five years due to the need to re-establish voting infrastructure. Appointed after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, Sharaa aims to transform Syria into a parliamentary republic. His plan includes forming an interim legislature and dissolving previous governance structures, marking a significant political transition in the country.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced on Monday that it may take up to five years to organize national elections, emphasizing the need to re-establish the infrastructure required for voting. In a televised interview, he expressed optimism about establishing Syria as a republic with a parliament and an executive government. Sharaa’s comments came shortly after his appointment as interim president following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebel forces on December 8.
In a previous interview with Al Arabiya TV in late December, Sharaa estimated that the election process could take approximately four years. He reiterated that the essential voting infrastructure needs restoration, which is a time-consuming process. Apart from organizing elections, Sharaa pledged to create legislation governing political parties, marking a significant shift from federal authoritarianism.
Following his appointment as interim president, Sharaa was tasked with the establishment of a transitional government, which will last until March 1. His ascent to power has received endorsement from key regional nations such as Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, the dissolution of the Assad-era parliament and the Baath party marked a decisive break from over five decades of oppressive governance in Syria.
Significantly, Syria’s constitution has been repealed, and the Assad-era military and security apparatus have been dismantled. Moreover, this includes the disbanding of armed groups, among which is Sharaa’s own Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. The political transition in Syria signifies a critical phase as the nation seeks to redefine its governance structure and restore democratic processes.
The recent upheaval in Syria has led to significant political changes following the ousting of longtime leader Bashar al-Assad. Ahmed al-Sharaa’s appointment as interim president represents a new chapter, necessitating the establishment of democratic institutions and the restructuring of political frameworks. With the end of an authoritarian regime, there is a substantial emphasis on creating a stable and functional governance structure, which includes setting up elections and a constitutional framework.
In conclusion, Ahmed al-Sharaa has outlined a timeline of approximately four to five years to conduct national elections in Syria, stressing the necessity of rebuilding the voting infrastructure. His commitment to establishing a parliamentary republic and a governing framework is a pivotal move towards restoring democracy in the country. The backing from regional powers marks an essential step in Syria’s transition towards a more stable governance model.
Original Source: www.france24.com
