Syria's Path to Elections Could Take Four Years, Rebel Leader Says
New elections in Syria may take up to four years, according to Ahmed al-Sharaa, leader of the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In his first public estimation since ousting former President Bashar al-Assad, Sharaa revealed the timeline during an interview with Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya on Sunday.
Sharaa outlined a multi-phase plan for Syria’s political transition, explaining that drafting a new constitution alone could require up to three years. He added that tangible improvements in public services and governance might take another year following the Assad regime’s downfall.
“Rebuilding a Nation”
Sharaa, who previously went by Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, emphasized the need to rebuild Syria’s legal framework and conduct a nationwide census to ensure credible elections. The former jihadist leader has assumed a key role in Syria’s new administration since Assad’s regime collapsed earlier this month.
His group, HTS, initially rose to prominence with its extremist ideology and connections to al-Qaeda but has attempted to distance itself from those roots in recent years. Sharaa stated that HTS would officially disband during a planned national dialogue conference, a critical step toward fostering unity in the war-torn nation. However, he offered no specifics about the group’s dissolution.
Challenges for New Leadership
The new government faces mounting criticism over its transitional appointments, with some accusing it of sidelining certain groups. Sharaa defended these decisions, claiming they were necessary for stabilizing the country during this delicate period.
Syria’s diverse population includes Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawite Shia, and Arab Sunnis, the latter forming the majority of the Muslim community. Sharaa pledged to safeguard the rights and freedoms of all minority groups.
Tensions Persist
Despite these assurances, tensions remain high. Nearly 300 individuals, including pro-Assad fighters and informants, have been arrested over the past week, according to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Local communities reportedly aided in identifying these individuals, with Syrian state media confirming the seizure of weapons and ammunition in related raids.
The crackdown underscores lingering divisions as Syria’s new leadership works to consolidate power. Meanwhile, international observers and local populations await further developments, hoping the upcoming national dialogue conference will mark a turning point toward lasting peace and unity in Syria.
