Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced that organising national elections may take four to five years due to infrastructure rebuilding needs. He outlined plans for a republic with a parliamentary system. His recent appointment follows the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, marking a significant political transition in Syria.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s interim president, announced on Monday that organizing national elections could take as long as five years. During a televised interview, he emphasized the necessity of re-establishing the voting infrastructure before elections could occur. He asserted that Syria will transition into a republic governed by a parliament and an executive branch.
Following his appointment, Sharaa revealed his timeline for elections, noting that it could range from four to five years. This timeframe is due to the extensive work required to rebuild the electoral infrastructure. He also committed to establishing a new law governing political parties to enhance Syria’s democratic process.
Sharaa, appointed by military leaders after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, has gained support from regional powers including Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. His responsibilities include forming an interim legislature, succeeding the dissolved Assad-era parliament, alongside the disbandment of the ruling Baath party.
The announcement by Sharaa comes in the context of significant political upheaval in Syria, following the end of over five decades of rule by the Assad family. This transitional period marks a shift toward reforming Syria’s governance structure, aiming to establish a more democratic and representative political system, amidst the backdrop of ongoing civil conflict and humanitarian challenges. The new leadership’s focus on infrastructure and legislative changes highlights the complexities and skepticism surrounding the electoral process.
In summary, interim president Ahmed al-Sharaa has set a timeline of four to five years for the organization of elections in Syria, underscoring the need for rebuilding the electoral framework. His administration has initiated significant reforms including the establishment of a new legislative body and political party law, signaling a shift towards a republic. The response from regional stakeholders suggests a cautious but supportive stance towards Syria’s potential transformation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
