Syria’s path toward new elections could take as long as four years, according to Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that recently ousted former President Bashar al-Assad. In a broadcast interview with Saudi state broadcaster Al Arabiya on Sunday, Sharaa outlined a timeline for the country’s future, stating that the process of holding elections could be delayed by years of preparation. The first step, drafting a new constitution, could take up to three years, he explained, adding that Syrians may not see significant improvements in public services or governance for another year.
Sharaa’s remarks come in the wake of a seismic shift in Syria’s political landscape, following the fall of the Assad regime earlier this month. As the leader of the newly established authorities in Syria, Sharaa highlighted the need to rebuild the country’s legal system and conduct a comprehensive population census to ensure that elections are legitimate. His group, once a jihadist faction aligned with al-Qaeda and Islamic State, has distanced itself from its past and plans to dissolve HTS at an upcoming national dialogue conference.
This transitional period in Syria raises questions about how the multi-ethnic nation will be governed, given its diverse population, which includes Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawite Shia, and Arab Sunnis. Sharaa has emphasized that his group intends to protect the rights and freedoms of minority groups while attempting to unify the country after more than a decade of civil war.
Meanwhile, the new authorities have been cracking down on Assad loyalists, with nearly 300 arrests reported in the past week. These individuals, including pro-regime fighters, informants, and former soldiers, have been detained with the cooperation of local populations. Weapons and ammunition were reportedly seized during these operations, signaling the ongoing power struggle in the aftermath of Assad’s fall.
As Syria prepares for a period of transition, it remains to be seen whether the country can achieve lasting stability and a unified government.
