Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced that national elections may take up to five years to organize due to the need for rebuilding electoral infrastructure. Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad, al-Sharaa emphasized the establishment of a republic with a parliament and executive government, alongside the formation of an interim legislature and the repeal of previous political structures. Regional powers support al-Sharaa as Syria navigates its transition to democracy.
On Monday, Syrian interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa announced that the organization of national elections may require up to five years. This timeframe accounts for the necessity to “re-establish” the infrastructure for voting in the war-torn nation. Al-Sharaa declared that Syria is transitioning to a republic featuring a parliament and an executive government, highlighting significant political reform after years of autocratic rule.
Al-Sharaa, appointed to his role following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December, shared his election timeframe prediction during a pre-recorded interview aired on a private Syrian television channel. His earlier comments suggested that the election process might take around four years; however, he reinforced this notion by explaining the extensive work required to restore electoral infrastructure.
In his address, al-Sharaa promised to enact legislation governing political parties in Syria, further asserting that the country would evolve into a parliamentary republic. His appointment by military commanders followed the successful rebellion led by Islamist factions, marking a pivotal shift in Syria’s political landscape, which had been dominated by the Assad family for over fifty years.
Regional powers such as Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have expressed support for al-Sharaa’s leadership. Concurrently, he is tasked with forming an interim legislative body and overseeing the dismantling of the previous Assad-era parliament and the Baath party, which held power for decades. The transitional government aims to steer the nation towards stability until the elected representatives can take charge.
These changes also involve the repeal of Syria’s constitution and the disbandment of the Assad-era military and security apparatus. Furthermore, armed groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have also been dissolved amidst this transitional period. A new government is expected to be operational by March 1.
The political environment in Syria has radically transformed following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad, who ruled the country with an iron fist for over five decades. His ousting by rebel factions has enabled interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa to propose substantial reforms, including a new electoral framework and the establishment of a parliamentary republic. This shift reflects the ongoing struggle for democratic governance amid the country’s multifaceted conflict and turmoil.
In conclusion, Ahmed al-Sharaa’s announcement highlights the significant challenges facing Syria as it attempts to transition to a more democratic structure. The timeline for organizing national elections underscores the complexities of re-establishing voting infrastructure and creating a functional government after years of authoritarian rule. With the support of key regional players and a focus on legislative reform, Syria embarks on a transformative journey to restore stability and governance within its borders.
Original Source: www.france24.com
