Syria’s de facto leader says holding elections could take up to four years

Syria’s de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, speaks to the media on the day he meets with Qatar’s Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, after the ousting of Syria’s Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 23, 2024. REUTERS/Ammar Awad/File Photo

Syria’s De Facto Leader Outlines Timeline for Elections and Constitution

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad, has suggested that holding elections in the country could take up to four years. This marks the first time Sharaa has publicly commented on a potential electoral timetable since his Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group ousted Assad on December 8.

Timetable for Reform

In an interview with Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, excerpts of which were released on Sunday, Sharaa explained that drafting a new constitution could take three years, with another year required for Syrians to witness significant changes. “We need to focus on stability and inclusivity before rushing into elections,” he stated.

The proposed timeline underscores the challenges of governing a multi-ethnic country with a long history of authoritarian rule and external interference.

Reassurances to Minorities and Neighbors

Since Assad’s removal, the new government has sought to distance itself from HTS’s Islamist roots. Sharaa has pledged to protect Syria’s minority groups, including Christians, Alawites, and Druze, and warned against attempts to incite sectarian divisions.

These efforts aim to reassure neighboring countries and the international community that the post-Assad leadership is committed to inclusivity and stability.

Relations with Russia

Sharaa emphasized Syria’s strategic relationship with Russia, which supported Assad during the 13-year civil war and maintains military bases in the country. While reiterating his government’s commitment to cooperation with Moscow, Sharaa acknowledged that the status of Russian bases would be subject to negotiation.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed that discussions about the operation, maintenance, and conditions of Russian bases in Syria are ongoing. “It’s not just about maintaining our bases, but ensuring they operate in a way that serves mutual interests,” Lavrov said in an interview with RIA.

Hopes for U.S. Engagement

Sharaa expressed optimism that President-elect Donald Trump’s administration would lift sanctions imposed on Syria. Recent visits by senior U.S. diplomats to Damascus have reportedly improved relations, with Washington deciding to remove a $10 million bounty on Sharaa’s head.

Outlook

As Syria transitions from decades of authoritarian rule, the proposed electoral and constitutional timeline reflects the complexity of rebuilding a nation devastated by war. Sharaa’s conciliatory approach to both domestic and international stakeholders will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. However, questions remain about the balance of power within Syria and the role of external actors, including Russia and the United States, in shaping the country’s future.