Syria's de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said in an interview with "Al-Arabiya" television that organizing and holding elections in the country could take up to four years, Reuters reported. This is Sharaa's first statement on the timeframe for elections since the regime of Bashar al-Assad was overthrown on December 8, BTA reports.
Plan for a new Constitution
Sharaa explained that drafting a new Constitution would take up to three years, after which more time would be needed to prepare the electoral process. According to him, it will probably be at least a year before Syrians see significant changes in the country's governance.
Dissolution of "Hayat Tahrir al-Sham"
Sharaa heads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham" group, which played a key role in the overthrow of the Assad regime. He announced that the organization would dissolve after convening a national conference that would mark the beginning of a new political process in Syria.
Relations with Russia and international politics
The de facto leader emphasized that Syria will continue to maintain strategic interests related to Russia. He noted that Russian bases in Syria and Moscow's support during the civil war remain an important factor in future relations between the two countries.
“Our relations with Russia must serve the common interests of both nations,“ Sharaa said.
Sharaa also expressed hope that the administration of newly elected US President Donald Trump would lift sanctions imposed on Syria. According to US diplomats who visited Damascus, Sharaa is seen as a pragmatic leader, and the $10 million bounty for his capture has already been lifted.
Expectations for the Future
Outlining a long-term plan for the transition, Sharaa called for patience on the part of the Syrian people and stressed that the top priority was restoring unity and stability to the country after 13 years of civil war.