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Syria’s de facto leader outlines four-year plan for elections

In an interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya, Ahmed al-Sharaa said drafting a new constitution might require three years, with significant changes in governance expected within a year.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known by nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, speaks at the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, Syria. (AP photo)

Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa stated that holding national elections could take up to four years, as per Reuters, marking his first public comments on a potential electoral timeline since Bashar al-Assad’s ouster earlier this month.

In an interview with Saudi-owned Al Arabiya, Sharaa said drafting a new constitution might require three years, with significant changes in governance expected within a year. His remarks come as the new administration seeks to reassure regional neighbours about its shift away from Islamist militancy.

Sharaa leads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the group that deposed Assad on December 8, ending Syria’s 13-year civil war. He announced that HTS would dissolve during a national dialogue conference, signalling a move towards inclusivity.

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The group, formerly linked to al-Qaeda, has renounced extremism and pledged to protect Syria’s minority communities.

Also Read: | Turkish FM discusses with Blinken need to cooperate with new Syrian administration

Despite the regime change, questions linger about the country’s future governance and the influence of foreign powers like Turkey and Russia. Western nations have cautiously welcomed the developments while minority groups in Syria remain wary of potential Islamist policies.

Sharaa also emphasised Syria’s strategic relationship with Russia, which has military bases in the country. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that the future of these bases would be negotiated with Syria’s new leadership, highlighting issues such as operational conditions and local cooperation.

Also Read: | Ambush by ousted Assad loyalists kills 14 security personnel, says Syria

Additionally, Sharaa expressed hope that the incoming US administration under President-elect Donald Trump might lift sanctions on Syria. Senior US officials visiting Damascus this month noted Sharaa’s pragmatic approach and confirmed the removal of a $10 million bounty previously placed on his head.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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