Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, indicated that national elections might take as long as four years, according to Reuters. This statement marks his first public comment regarding an electoral timeline since the ousting of Bashar al-Assad earlier this month.
Speaking to Saudi-owned Al Arabiya, Sharaa explained that drafting a new constitution could require up to three years, while significant changes in governance might be implemented within a year. These remarks align with the new administration’s efforts to demonstrate a shift away from Islamist militancy and to reassure neighboring countries in the region.
Sharaa heads Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the organization responsible for deposing Assad on December 8, effectively concluding Syria’s 13-year-long civil war. In a significant move toward inclusivity, he announced that HTS would dissolve during a planned national dialogue conference.
The group, which once had ties to al-Qaeda, has renounced extremist ideologies and committed to safeguarding Syria’s minority communities.
Despite these changes, uncertainty surrounds Syria’s future governance structure and the role foreign powers like Turkey and Russia might play. While Western countries have cautiously welcomed these developments, many minority groups within Syria remain apprehensive about the potential for Islamist-driven policies under the new leadership.
Sharaa underscored Syria’s strategic relationship with Russia, a key player in the region with military bases in the country. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commented on the matter, stating that discussions with Syria’s new leadership would determine the future of these bases. Negotiations will cover operational details and cooperative agreements with local authorities.
Furthermore, Sharaa expressed optimism that the incoming U.S. administration, led by President-elect Donald Trump, might consider lifting sanctions on Syria. U.S. officials who visited Damascus this month acknowledged Sharaa’s pragmatic stance and confirmed that the $10 million bounty previously placed on him had been rescinded.
The developments signal a complex but potentially transformative period for Syria as it navigates governance changes, regional diplomacy, and relationships with global powers.