In his first public indication of an electoral timeline since his faction led the ousting of Bashar al-Assad three weeks ago, Syria’s newly emerged leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, suggested that it could take up to four years to hold elections in the war-torn country.
Speaking with Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya on Sunday, al-Sharaa outlined a comprehensive process, stressing the importance of drafting a new constitution, a task he estimated could take around three years to complete. He explained that any meaningful elections would require a nationwide population census, which would help identify eligible voters and ensure a more inclusive electoral process.
As the head of Syria’s interim administration, al-Sharaa also promised significant reforms in the coming year, including the planned dissolution of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the influential military and political group behind the ousting of Assad. This would be addressed at an upcoming national dialogue conference.
In his remarks, al-Sharaa reassured Syria’s neighboring countries, emphasizing that Syria would not pose a threat to regional stability. He conveyed a diplomatic tone, signaling his government’s commitment to fostering stability in the region amidst concerns over Syria’s ongoing volatility.
The new leader also reaffirmed Syria’s close ties with Russia, a key ally throughout the 13-year civil war. Al-Sharaa underscored the importance of aligning Syria’s interests with Moscow, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the future of Russian military bases in Syria. Lavrov noted that these talks would focus on operational conditions, maintenance, and coordination with the Syrian leadership.
Additionally, al-Sharaa expressed hope that the incoming U.S. administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump, might reconsider sanctions on Syria. U.S. officials who visited Damascus earlier this month described al-Sharaa as a “pragmatic” leader, suggesting potential shifts in Syria’s international relations.
